Real Madrid took a significant step towards qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League as they registered a comfortable win over Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray by 6-0 at Santiago Bernabeu.
The home team had a great start as Rodrygo brought the ball down well and finished smartly to beat Muslera in the 4th minute to make it 1-0. The Brazilian soon made it two as he scored through a header. Madrid ran riot as they got a third before the 15-minute mark as Ramos converted from the spot after Kroos was brought down. Benzema then had a tap in before half time as the Spanish heavyweights made it 4-0.
Real Madrid dominated the proceedings in the second half as well. Benzema got his brace in the 81st minute as Carvajal set him up for his second. Rodrygo got his well-deserved hattrick as he added another in stoppage time. Zidane would be glad about a comfortable win on the night after dropping points in the La Liga earlier.
Here is how Real Madrid players fared on the night.
Thibaut Courtois 6.5
Galatasaray had just one shot on target throughout the game, and the Belgian goalkeeper wasn’t tested much. But he did a decent job off sweeping up on few occasions.
Raphael Varane 6.5
Had a few tough duels at the back which made him slightly uncomfortable. Did an alright job overall to see out a clean sheet.
Sergio Ramos 7
Scored a panenka penalty. Didn’t have to deal with too much pressure at the back and was strong and resolute in whatever came his way.
Dani Carvajal 7
Supported his side on the attacking front well. Held his own at the back in a few tussles.
Marcelo 7.5
Wasn’t tested much defensively before he had to go off with an injury. Was outstanding while going forward as he was a constant threat from the left with his forward runs.
Casemiro 7
Disrupted the game and always kept Real Madrid in control of the tie by moving the ball well. Pressed well to win back the ball a few times.
Toni Kroos 8
Controlled and orchestrated the midfield. Created quite a few chances and could have gotten himself on the score sheet as well. The experienced German international showed that he is still going strong.
Federico Valverde 6
Got to start over Modric but wasn’t really able to shine through. A steady but unspectacular performance overall.
Eden Hazard 8
Might not have got a goal but was fantastic for most parts. Went on some of his typical mazy runs. He was often tough to defend against and played a significant role in Real Madrid running the show in the attacking third.
Rodrygo 9
Next superstar in the making as he showed immense composure to take the first goal. Then scored through a header. Got the hattrick late on as he made a good run and played a neat little one-two with Benzema before finishing it in the back of the net to complete a perfect hattrick.
Karim Benzema 8
Managed to get a brace but more than his goals, his contribution in the attacking third was impressive. His movement, ability to stretch play and his link-up play troubled the opposition defence.
Substitutes
Ferland Mendy 6.5
Filled in well for Marcelo after coming on
Isco 6.5
Was brave on the ball and looked to make things happen in the final third.
Luka Modric 6.5
Played close to half an hour and kept things tidy in the middle.