3 things that went right for Real Madrid against Juventus
It is no surprise that Real Madrid are through to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League for the eighth consecutive time. However, what an unexpected and dramatic match it turned to be.
Mario Mandzukic scored twice in the first half before Blaise Matuidi scored another goal after the break to wipe out Madrid's three-goal advantage from the first leg.
Juventus was attacking relentlessly and the tie was heading towards extra time when the entire flow of the game changed and the Bernabeu side was given a penalty upon Mehdi Benatia's challenge on Lucas Vázquez.
Under immense pressure of the occasion, Cristiano Ronaldo showed admirable composure and smashed the ball right into the net securing Real's spot in the semis.
While Juventus had an amazing comeback and defeated Madrid in the second leg, it is Real Madrid to go to the top four (aggregate: 4-3) of the Champions League this season.
Right on this note, let us look at the three things that went right for Real Madrid against Juventus.
#3 Substitutions
Zinedine Zidane brought Lucas Vazquez in for Casemiro in the 46th minute of the game, bringing in an attack-minded player for a defensive midfielder doesn't seem like a good idea while defending a lead.
But the bold move by the Frenchman paid off and the Spanish international won the winning penalty for Real Madrid in the final minutes of the game.
The Real Madrid academy graduate kept getting into good positions throughout the second-half and also contributed heavily to their defensive play.
Real Madrid went to the game with an attacking mentality and didn't sit back even after conceding goals.