Real Madrid hosted Club Brugge at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second game of their UEFA Champions League campaign. They had to make a comeback from two goals down to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw in the end.
The home team enjoyed plenty of possession, but the Belgian heavyweights looked threatening on the counter. They scored with their first attack as Ramos failed to trap the opposition offside and Bonaventure scored his first of the night with a miscued finish. Madrid had some decent chances in the first 45, but they kept on narrowly missing the target. Modric then gave away the ball in a dangerous area, and Bonaventure finished smartly to give the away team a two goal lead before half time.
The Galacticos dominated the second half, and Sergio Ramos brought them back into the game through a header from close range. Real Madrid equalised in the 85th minute through a set-piece as Casemiro headed home. On the balance of the overall game, one would say Madrid deserved something from the contest as they turned on the heat in the second half.
Here is how Zidane’s men fared against Club Brugge.
Thibaut Courtois 5
Made one decent save. Could have probably stayed on his feet long for the first goal. Couldn’t have done much for the second. Surprising that he was taken off at half time.
Sergio Ramos 5
Has to take the blame for the first goal as he wasn’t able to trap his man offside. Almost gave away a gift in the second half but was rescued by Areola. Scored his typical goal through a header.
Raphael Varane 6
Came close to scoring through a header in the first half. Defensively, dealt with whatever came his way.
Nacho 4
Couldn’t provide any attacking threat down the left and was subbed at half time.
Dani Carvajal 6
Linked up play well down the right and made some decent chances for his teammates. Wasn’t tested much defensively.
Casemiro 6.5
Scored the all-important equaliser through a well-timed header. Did the nitty-gritty job well in the middle. Unspectacular but steady.
Luka Modric 4
Had a few attempts on goal and should have probably managed to test Mignolet a bit more. Gave away the ball for Brugge’s second goal and was clearly at fault.
Toni Kroos 7
Should have got atleast one goal in the first half as he had some decent chances from the edge of the box. Moved the ball well in the middle and delivered some threatening set pieces.
Lucas Vasquez 4
Lost the duel with his man plenty of times on the right-wing. Had one chance but pulled his effort wide. A miserable game for Vasquez.
Eden Hazard 5
Made one or two mazy runs but apart from that, was largely anonymous. Zidane would want to see more end product from him in the final third instead of some neat tricks.
Karim Benzema 6.5
Looked the brightest player in the attacking third as he always tried to make things happen. Stretched play with his movement and runs. Controlled the ball well in tight spaces and created some decent chances. Had one free header early on which he failed to convert.
Substitutes
Alphonse Areola 7
Made one big save to keep his side in the game in the second half.
Marcelo 6
Injected the much-needed threat from the left side after coming on. His final product was lacking though.
Vinicius Junior 4
Was hardly able to make an impact. Simon Deli bodied him for fun more than once.
