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Here's all the latest stories coming out of Anfield in today's Daily Mirror...

Real Madrid 1-0 Liverpool

If they were supposed to hang their heads in shame, then Liverpool clearly didn't read the script here at the Bernabeu .

Instead, they left this football cathedral eyes raised and proud, defiance aimed at both Real Madrid and those critics who predicted a rout after Brendan Rodgers dared to select what they condemned as a weakened team.

The Liverpool manager knows a defeat - even one such as this where his side displayed such spirit and character - can not silence the chatter completely, as he stands still accused of giving up on the game, and effectively throwing in the towel.

But as he said afterwards, the performance threw in nothing but passion and commitment. If there wasn't quite the miracle many thought was required with the team he picked, then there most definitely wasn't the slaughter of the lambs that were apparently led into this lions' den of a stadium.

Check out the full match report by clicking here.

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Rodgers defends team selection

Defiant Brendan Rodgers hit back after being slammed for his team selection against Real Madrid.

The Reds manager was accused of fielding a side that was “unbefitting of Liverpool” by Gary Lineker, who even suggested the Irishman had thrown in the white towel.

But after his side - missing skipper Steven Gerrard, vice captain Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling, as well as £20m summer signing Dejan Lovren – performed with courage and nearly produced a result in the Bernabeu, he dimissed his critcs.

Rodgers, who heard the fans singing his name at the end, said: “I think the performance is my answer. Gary is a figure I respect, been a top player, but never been a manager so does not know what you’re up against with planning and training.

“My words were played out by team, far from throwing in the white towel. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in every one of his last 11 games so my players put in a performance that did befit this club with the quality and spirit."

Read more of Brendan Rodgers' comments by clicking here.

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In pictures: Real Madrid 1-0 Liverpool...

Hendo desperate for Gerrard deal

Liverpool vice-captain Jordan Henderson has backed Steven Gerrard to remain a big player for years to come at Anfield.

The England midfielder is seen as the natural successor to Gerrard at the heart of the Reds midfield and could be set to skipper the side at the Santiago Bernabeu tonight, with Gerrard reportedly set to be rested for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The Liverpool icon - who captained them to Champions League success in 2005 - is out of contract at the end of the season.

However, Henderson is looking forward to continuing their midfield partnership beyond the end of the current campaign.

"Stevie is a massive player for us," explained Henderson.

Read more from Jordan Henderson by clicking here.

(Image: Andrew Powell)

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Wednesday's Liverpool stories from other newspapers and websites

Mexican hero wanted?

Liverpool could target Mexico's World Cup hero Guillermo Ochoa in a bit to end their goalkeeping crisis, according to Le10 Sport.

The shot stopper made his name during the summer in Brazil, putting in a host of performances that made his arguably the goalkeeper of the tournament.

He signed a deal with Malaga after being a free agent at the World Cup, but could be available for a move for as little as £4million - and the Reds could swoop in January.

It has been heavily reported that Liverpool are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper as Simon Mignolet has failed to impress between this sticks since his move to Anfield.

Illarramendi boost

(Image: Helios de la Rubia)

Liverpool's hopes of signing Real Madrid man Aiser Illarramendi have been given a boost after he was made to train with the reserves, according to the Daily Star.

He was joined at the training session by want-away midfielder Sami Khedira, as both players could be set for moves to the Premier League in January.

Illarramendi was signed by Los Blancos last summer for a huge fee of €32.2 million, but after failing to get a chance in the first team, he wants to make the move out of the Bernabeu.

And the double summer signing of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez has meant that first team chances will be even harder to come by now.

Illarramendi, at just 24-years-old, would be seen as the perfect replacement for Steven Gerrard in the long-term.

Bakked out

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are all set to miss out on Zakaria Bakkali , who is set to sign for Chelsea according to the Express.

A host of Premier League clubs have been monitoring the progress of the 18-year-old, who currently plays his club football for PSV in the Netherlands - although first team chances have been limited this season.

Dubbed 'the next Eden Hazard', Bakkali is a versatile midfielder and would be willing to make the move to the Premier League.

However, Jose Mourinho and Chelsea are his desired move and the Portuguese tactician is set for a January swoop.

Any winter move for Bakkali is said to have to allow him to play in the Eredivisie until the end of the current season.

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Mega money Marco

Manchester City are set to quash Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayern Munich's interest in Marco Reus by offering him a whopping £200k a week, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The Dortmund attacking-midfielder is set for a £20million move away from the Bundesliga club when his release clause is met, despite desperate efforts from his club to get him to sign a new deal.

Previously United and Liverpool were seen as the likely destinations for Reus, but now it seems that City are set to offer a big money for the star.

It is believed that Dortmund would much prefer Reus to sign for a Premier League team so they don't lose another player to league rivals Bayern.