Mignolet: Positives to take ahead of Chelsea
Simon Mignolet was powerless to prevent Karim Benzema from thrashing home the winner during Real Madrid's victory over Liverpool on Tuesday - but the Belgian insists he'll take confidence from his performance in the tie.
Marcelo's lethal, precise pass put the ball on a plate for the ruthless Benzema, who used a deft touch to steer beyond Mignolet and net what was ultimately the deciding goal in a fixture that was far more close-fought than most onlookers had expected.
Liverpool were much improved from the 3-0 reverse they suffered at the hands of Carlo Ancelotti's reigning European champions at Anfield two weeks ago and they pushed on with intent after the interval in pursuit of a precious point in the Group B fixture.
However, Mignolet was still kept busy by the home side and the wealth of talent at Ancelotti's disposal - and the Reds stopper was forced into a series of stunning saves to thwart the likes of James Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
"I'm pleased with my own performance, but that always comes second because we want to win points and we want to win as a team," Mignolet told Liverpoolfc.com from the tunnel following the final whistle in the Spanish capital.
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"Unfortunately we didn't keep a clean sheet because it would have given us that point. But for me, personally, I'll take a lot of confidence out of the game."
"Every time you lose you're disappointed. We were playing Real Madrid and we knew the results they have had at home and so we knew it would be a difficult game. I think we defended well, but unfortunately we didn’t create a chance to score a goal."
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea are up next for Mignolet and co as the Barclays Premier League leaders travel to Anfield for Saturday's early kick-off - and the 26-year-old insists the team will take pointers from Tuesday's defeat as they seek a return to winning ways in L4.
"We're Liverpool Football Club, so if we're playing at home we always have to go for the three points and we'll make sure we're prepared for that," said the 'keeper.
"There are still plenty of positives to take from the game and we've got another big game to look forward to at the weekend against Chelsea. I think a lot of the boys will take confidence from today and we'll make sure we are ready for when Chelsea arrive on Saturday."