Real Madrid all but clinched the top spot in Group B of the Champions League by shutting down Liverpool 1-0 Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The victory was the four straight for Los Blancos in the competition; Madrid also defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield a few weeks ago.

Here are some major talking points from the big game:

Cristiano Ronaldo Unable to Tie Raul

The big story heading into this game was undeniably the record of most goals scored in the Champions League currently held by Raul. The Spanish legend's 71 were about to be tied by Ronaldo with the next strike from Madrid's current superstar. And considering Ronaldo's 12-game scoring streak, the record looked like it could easily be eclipsed on Tuesday.

But it was not meant to be.

Ronaldo's scoring run came to an end and he was far from his best in the 1-0 victory. He had 10 tries at goal and five of them were on target, but Liverpool netminder Simon Mignolet was more than equal to the task on a number of chances. Ronaldo's best moment came early in the game when he got a nice feed from Benzema just inside the area. It looked primed for a goal, but Mignolet's last second swat deflected it over the bar. On two ensuing free kicks, Ronaldo also got the shot on target, but on both Mignolet stood strong.

It is entirely possible that by the time he takes on FC Basel in a few weeks, Ronaldo may actually be chasing Messi for the record instead of thinking of tying Raul.

Karim Benzema Shining Brightly

While Ronaldo has slowed down his scoring rate, Benzema looks like he is just getting started. He now leads the team with five goals in the Champions League and has already eclipsed the 40-goal mark in his career.

More importantly, his role on the team is undoubtedly secure as he has shown a tenacity for creating plays and finishing them. His finish against Liverpool in Madrid was wondrous, but he also contributed with a whopping eight key passes throughout the night. Benzema has arguably been Madrid's top player over the last month and could be the key to winning the Champions League yet again.

Liverpool Not in the Same Class as Madrid

The score read 1-0, but if not for Mignolet's man of the match performance, this game ends 5-0 easily.

Raphael Varane neutralized a number of Liverpool counters and the team never really had a real shot on goal in the entire match. In fact, Liverpool was unable to create a single chance in the first half and finished the night with one shot on target.

The keeper made a whopping eight saves throughout the night and many were of the jaw-dropping variety. Meanwhile, his team struggled to maintain possession and was constantly chasing Madrid around the defending half. Whenever the team regained possession and attempted to attack, Madrid's defense would smother the English side with pressure and retain possession quickly.

Credit is due to Liverpool for blocking 12 Madrid shots, but that emphasizes how wide the gap between these two sides was. While Madrid was far from its dangerous best, Liverpool looked overwhelmed with finding a way to cope with its rival's talent.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the team's run a year ago was due to having one sensational player leading the way. Without Luis Suarez, Liverpool simply lacks authority on the pitch.

Now What?

Madrid leads the group with 12 points and has all but secured the top spot in the group. With FC Basel's 4-0 win over Ludogorets Razgrad, the Swiss side is not in second place in the group with a key game against Los Blancos beckoning.

Liverpool needs to be Ludogorets in Bulgaria and hope that Madrid sweeps the floor with the Swiss side. Both are tough tasks. Basel has looked terrific at home while the Bulgarians gave Madrid and Basel trouble at home. And no one should forget that Ludogorets Razgrad shut down Liverpool at Ansfield, making the hill much steeper for Gerrard's side.

If Liverpool wins and Madrid does also, then the English side would have a chance to clinch the second seed with a win at home in the final matchday of the Champions League. But that might be a tough ask and a lot could happen between now and then. A win by Basel over Madrid could essentially eliminate Liverpool from second place altogether.

Highlights

Video highlights of the match can be seen here:

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