Gerrard was then broguht down in the penalty area and scored from the spot kick to put the Reds 2-1 ahead going into the interval.
The second half was less eventful until the latter minutes when Vidic was sent off for bringing down Gerrard when he was clear on goal. Fabio Aurelio curled in the free kick with Van der Sar only able to watch while rooted to his spot.
Substitute Andrea Dossena, who scored the last goal against Real, made it four in the final minute to give Rafael Benitez's side a deserved vidtory and keep Liverpool's title chances alive.
