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A defeat against the champions of Europe is nothing to be ashamed of. But for Liverpool FC, to concede defeat in such a manner is frustrating and embittering.

Increasingly, there appears to be no case for the defence. Cristiano Ronaldo's strike was magnificent, but Karim Benzema's double were simply gifts from the Reds defence.

The three goals against Real Madrid took their goals conceded tally to 19 in 12 games. They have kept just two clean sheets in 21 games – both against Tottenham – and average 1.27 goals conceded per game under Brendan Rodgers.

What the manager has achieved at Anfield has been well-document and rightfully commended – but the defence is undoubtedly a problem, and one which has persisted throughout his reign.

There are plenty of questions being asked of the defence. Here they are.

Liverpool can't defend set pieces

The Reds have conceded seven goals in 12 games this season. It would be an unbelievable statistic if not for the image of the Liverpool players panicking upon the toot of the referee's whistle.

Seven goals conceded, but countless scares on most occasions the ball is plunged into the box. Simon Mignolet struggles to command his area, an opponent can lose Martin Skrtel with a drop of the shoulder, Dejan Lovren gravitates towards the man far too much.

Opposition managers will spend time in training launching high balls throughout the week, so Liverpool must do the same. Only hard work will fix this. Pigeons of Hull, be prepared.

Simon Mignolet

Mignolet is struggling in goal with almost every facet of what is required to play in a side like Liverpool's.

He is good at stopping shots, and did make some good saves on Wednesday night against Real. It's also worth noting his save average is up this season, though that also shows how porous those in front of him have been.

But he continues to look weak with distribution, his floating balls out to the full backs a constant source of frustration for fans.

He looks like a player trying to be something he isn't. Like a centre back can't play in the no.10 role, the Belgian cannot be the sweeper keeper people want. His attempt against Real, flying out towards a moving ball on the six yard box and missing, encapsulated the problems he faces.

More money, more problems

Liverpool have spent £63m on defenders since 2012, and nearly £100m since 2009. Such an investment should see strength-in-depth at the back; instead, the back five might as well wear hard hats given how it always seems under construction.

Of the eight defenders signed since 2012, only Alberto Moreno looks to be a true success – although it is still early days for him, Lovren and Javi Manquillo.

Approximately £17m was spent on Mamadou Sakho, a French international, yet he played just 19 games last season. As a left-sided defender, direct competition was bought for £20m this summer, with Croatian Lovren joining from Southampton.

Tiago Ilori, meanwhile, was bought for £7m – and is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Reds.

The outlay of money has not resulted in an increase of quality on the pitch.

Cost of Liverpool defenders Dejan Lovren £20m Glen Johnson £18m Mamadou Sakho £17m

Dejan Lovren and lack of leadership

The defender was so impressive against Borussia Dortmund in August's pre-season friendly. Though it was only a friendly, there were signs of him bringing something the Reds back line were desperately lacking – leadership.

He had been the central part of an impressive Southampton side in 2013/14, and came to Anfield with a big reputation. Not only could he defend, but he could communicate and organise effectively as well.

So where is it?

A good competitive home debut against his former club offered hope, but he has since looked troubled. Having two partners – Skrtel and Sakho – hasn't aided his settling-in period, but he is too overeager to challenge and is often caught misjudging the flight of the ball.

His statistics this season and last season aren't too different. He made more tackles last season, but has made more interceptions this season. The Reds need him to start justifying his summer move – and fast.

Defending from the front – and system problems

The way Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez played last year was a joy – both in defence and attack. They were belligerent, dedicated and always knew when to press the opposition.

But despite that, the Reds still conceded 50 league goals last season. So too much importance can be placed on what the front men do – although both Mario Balotelli and Raheem Sterling seemed unsure on how to press Real on Wednesday.

It hints at problems elsewhere. With a three-man midfield, and with full backs given the licence to move forward with the ball, Steven Gerrard is left isolated. If he is pressed, and if he is not given enough help from others, Liverpool can be suffocated in midfield with the opposition's extra runners not being tracked.

It leaves Gerrard with a lot of running to do from side-to-side.

Will it get better?

Liverpool have kept just eight clean sheets in the past 38 games, conceded 55 goals. If the Reds were to replicate that form over the whole season, they would hope to do better than Sunderland in 1999/2000 – the best-placed side to concede over 55 goals in the Premier League.

But after the Reds conceded 43 in 2012/13, and 50 in 2013/14, they are now projected to concede 57 goals this season.

Against Real, the defence contained two of the summer signings. Manquillo has also featured heavily this season. A settling-in period is expected - but it now feels as if it has moved on from that, and the back five's jitters have become the norm.

It isn't a case of whether it gets better. Without the goals of Suarez and Sturridge to assist, it simply has to. Now is the time to step up and for them to do what they were bought to do - defend.

LFC goals conceded 43 2012/13 50 2013/14 57 2014/15 (Projected)

Can the Reds rectify it?

They have to, but it is something that has flummoxed Rodgers since his arrival at Anfield.

Perhaps the more powerful Emre Can could replace Joe Allen, with Gerrard and Can sitting deeper and allowing Jordan Henderson to flourish up the field.

Perhaps the return of Jon Flanagan, potentially at right back, will solidify the defence and bring some more front-foot defending to the side.

Perhaps Sakho will replace Lovren, Lovren will replace Skrtel, or Skrtel will be replaced by another big-money buy in January.

But they have to figure out the solution, and soon.