Real Madrid played hosts to Paris Saint-Germain at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday night in what promised to be an entertaining contest between two European heavyweights. The Galacticos opted for a 4-3-1-2 formation for this clash and started the game on the front foot. However, they went behind in the 33rd minute when Adrien Rabiot scored the opening goal of the match for the visitors. Los Blancos came back just before the half-time break when Cristiano Ronaldo converted from the penalty spot to put his side level going into half-time.
Both sides tried their best to net a winner in the second half with the home side turning the match on its head in the 83rd minute courtesy of a Cristiano Ronaldo finish once again. Marcelo also got in on the act three minutes later, when his quick snapshot caught the PSG keeper napping which put Real Madrid in a commanding position in the tie. The match ended 3-1 in favour of the reigning European champions with everything to play for in the second leg next month.
Real Madrid Players Rated And Slated
GK: Keylor Navas – 6/10
The Madrid keeper was at fault for the first goal when he dived and sold himself to Adrien Rabiot, who scored the opening goal with limited ease. He came back into the game and made some good saves to redeem himself.
RB: Nacho Fernandez – 5/10
He found it tough dealing with the threat of Neymar. The right-back got beat a few times while facing his goal but managed to cope with the Brazilian’s pace in the second half.
CB: Raphael Varane – 6/10
He struggled at times but made some great tackles to keep the PSG attackers at bay.
CB: Sergio Ramos – 8/10
The Spaniard put in a captain’s performance at the heart of the Madrid defence. He put in a solid display full of heart and grit which helped his side secure a come from behind win on the night.
LB: Marcelo – 8/10
The Brazilian full-back was superb going forward and capped off a brilliant display by scoring the crucial 3rd goal to give his team some breathing room going into the second leg in Paris.
CM: Casemiro – 7/10
He put in a tireless shift and broke down some PSG attacks at the centre of the park.
CM: Toni Kroos – 7/10
He worked his socks off and did well to earn a penalty for his side in the first half.
CM: Luka Modric – 7/10
The Croatian midfield wizard was at his peak during this contest and showed some quick footwork throughout the game which caused a lot of headaches for the PSG backline.
CAM: Isco – 7/10
His passing was spot on during the game and his performance on the night justified his place in the starting eleven, ahead of Gareth Bale.
ST: Karim Benzema – 6/10
The out-of-form French striker held the ball up well but failed to be a threat in the opposition box.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo – 9/10
The Portuguese superstar missed a few chances but converted the chances that mattered to put his side in a commanding position ahead of the second leg.
Substitutes:
ST: Gareth Bale – 6/10
The Welsh speedster put in a great cross after coming off the bench which led to the Real Madrid winner. However, he was caught offside far too often in the last quarter of the game.
CAM: Marco Asensio – 8/10
He made an immediate impact after coming on from the bench. The youngster created plenty of chances for Los Blancos’ attackers to thrive on in the final quarter of the contest.
CM: Lucas Vasquez – 6/10
He failed to make his mark in the game.
