Champs turn red

Manchester, July 3: As they stepped onto the pitch, Liverpool’s players were given a guard of honor from Manchester City.

It was the only time they looked like Premier League champions on Thursday.

“I think they drank a lot of beers in the last week,” City manager Pep Guardiola said.

The dethroned champions made sure there was an abrupt comedown from the partying.

A merciless attacking display sparked by City scorers Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden consigned Liverpool to a 4-0 loss exactly a week after its 30year title drought ended.

The slack defending and lack of sharpness from Liverpool was perhaps forgivable from players who had spent the previous 31 rounds establishing an unprecedented 23-point lead to become England’s earliest champions.

It was a night to forget for so many Liverpool players — particularly Joe Gomez, who dragged Raheem Sterling down to concede a penalty converted by Kevin De Bruyne in the 25th minute.

De Bruyne and Phil Foden helped City stylishly waltz through Liverpool and show how the title can be reclaimed next season.

CAPTAIN RAMOS LEADS

REAL TO TRIUMPH

Meanwhile in Madrid, Real Madrid took a big step towards winning the Spanish league on Thursday by battling past Getafe to move four points clear of Barcelona, with five games left.

Sergio Ramos’ late penalty proved the difference at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium where Madrid were made to feel uncomfortable by Getafe but dug out a gutsy 1-0 victory worthy of champions.

This was arguably Madrid’s toughest fixture remaining in the league.