Cristiano Ronaldo set a Champions League record as Real Madrid edged past Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a very entertaining match in the Champions League. The win helped Los Blancos to secure a second place in the group while Dortmund slipped away to the Europa League.
Borja Mayoral gave the home side an early lead as he fired home after Isco fed him with a delightful ball. Four minutes later Ronaldo became the first player to find the net in all the six group league games.
The Portuguese international scored a beautiful curling effort to double his side’s lead. Dortmund got back some footing in the match as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang managed to reduce the deficit with goals from each side of the half. However, Lucas Vazquez’s winner at the stroke of the 81st minute ground out crucial three points for the home side.
Real Madrid player ratings-
Keylor Navas- 6
Was able to thwart Aubameyang with a brilliant save but caught off guard at the time of both the goals.
Raphael Varane- 7
Had another injury concern as he had to leave the pitch very early. His presence on the pitch channelised a sense of solidity in the backline. Made some brilliant interceptions and blocks.
Sergio Ramos- 5
An average performance from “El Capitan” of Los Merengues on the night.
Theo Hernandez- 6
Looked a bit rusty at times but dished out a composed performance by the end of the match. This performance should provide a boost for him for the rest of the season.
Nacho Fernandez- 5
Started initially on the right side of the defence but later shifted to the central backline. A better performance was expected of him.
Casemiro- 6
He was exploited heavily by Shinjo Kagawa.
Mateo Kovacic- 6.5
Ably supported Casemiro as he was industrious throughout the match and made some good runs down the middle.
Isco- 7
Was not in his usual threatening mood but was busy as he kept the opponent defence on their toes.
Cristiano Ronaldo- 8
He might not be having a good time in the La Liga but kept his best aside for the Champions League. Produced a moment of brilliance as he beat the Dortmund keeper with an excellent curler.
Borja Mayoral- 7
Was very active up front and the goal was a result of that.
Lucas Vazquez- 7
Shifted to the right back as Nacho had to fill in Varane’s absence.
Substitutes:
Marco Asensio- 6
Needed more tuning in the attacking third.
Dani Ceballos- 7
Controlled the game well in the middle of the pitch.
Marcos Llorente- 6
Tried to put his heart in the game throughout his limited game time.
