Johnson: Move on and respond with a win
Glen Johnson is targeting an immediate response to the 3-0 defeat Liverpool suffered at the hands of Real Madrid when the Reds return to Barclays Premier League action at the weekend.
The clash with Real began on a positive note as the atmosphere inside Anfield crescendoed towards fever pitch and the reigning European champions were placed on the back-foot by Brendan Rodgers' side, spurred on by the home crowd.
However, Carlo Ancelotti's team showcased sheer ruthlessness in the 23rd minute, as they tore through the heart of Liverpool's defence, Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez linking effortlessly before the Portuguese netted an opener.
Karim Benzema then grabbed two - the first of which was an exquisite looping header, the second a simple finish from close range, meaning that at the interval, Liverpool found themselves 3-0 down. That was how the game would end.
Ronaldo, who edged to within one of Raul's record of 71 goals in European competition for the Spanish giants, was even afforded a generous ovation from the Anfield crowd for his exploits as he departed the pitch in the 75th minute.
In the Anfield tunnel afterwards, Johnson could only give a nod to the quality Real possessed on the night, but insisted Liverpool's focus now shifts to the next challenge and three points against Hull City on Saturday.
"We came up against a fantastic side," Johnson told Liverpoolfc.com. "They're one of the best and they showed that in the first half. I wouldn't say much was missing, we just came up against a better team.
"I think we made a quick start and we did well in the first 10 or 15 minutes and created a couple of chances. But a team like that are always going to have chances and more often than not they're going to take their opportunities. We've just got to put this behind us and get onto the next one and try to win our next game."