Real Madrid's touching reason 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was played instead of 'Hala Madrid'

The hosts sealed their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 1-0 win on Wednesday night as they eased through with a 6-2 aggregate victory.

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Los Blancos legend Karim Benzema was yet again the scourge of Merseyside as he broke the deadlock in the 78th minute.

No player has scored more than the Frenchman's seven goals against Liverpool in Europe's premier club competition.

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But there was nothing but respect for Liverpool at full-time, as they ditched playing their traditional 'Hala Madrid' anthem.

Instead, the Reds' iconic anthem rung around the Bernabeu as the home fans sang along as they held their scarves aloft.

The LaLiga giants did so as prior to the last-16 first leg tie at Anfield, Liverpool laid flowers in tribute to Real legend Amancio Amara.

Amancio spent 14 years as a player for Real between 1962-1976, where he won nine league titles and the European Cup.

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But he sadly passed away on the day of the first leg, where Jurgen Klopp's side and supporters expressed their condolences.

And Madrid were quick to return their appreciation to the visitors in what was another classy display.

"The tribute to Liverpool has been very good because they are a gentlemen's club," Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said.

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"They honoured Amancio in the first leg and it's a fair gesture from our club towards them."

His opposite number Jurgen Klopp appreciated the gesture and the travelling fans applauded their rivals.

Real and Liverpool have plenty of Champions League history in recent years, with the former winning the finals in 2018 and 2022.

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Last year's showdown in Paris was marred by ugly scenes outside of the Stade de France as some Liverpool fans were tear gassed by police which forced the final to be delayed by 36 minutes.

Fans from both sides were also attacked outside the ground after the final.

An independent report recently said that UEFA bore the 'primary responsibility for failures' at the final that 'almost led to disaster'.

The governing body, who have apologised to fans, are now set to offer refunds to Reds supporters who were caught up in the chaos.

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