Champions League - Real Madrid 3-0 Wolfsburg (Agg 3-2): Player ratings
Cristiano Ronaldo inspired his Real Madrid side with a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Wolfsburg in the UEFA Champions League. Los Blancos had suffered a shock 2-0 loss in the first leg, but the Real Madrid forward showed why his team can do anything on their night.
The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu was electric when the two teams took the field and Ronaldo’s two first half goals assured the fans of a great European night. The Portuguese scored through a free-kick late in the second half to help Real Madrid seal a place in the semi-finals of the competition.
Here is a look at how the players from both sides fared:
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas – 8
The Costa Rican goalkeeper did not have much to do throughout the game as Wolfsburg could not produce any good opportunities to trouble him. He saved a couple of shots which were aimed at him and also a fierce goal-bound Luiz Gustavo long-range strike.
A neat and clean performance from the Real Madrid shot-stopper helped him to register yet another clean sheet in the competition.
Daniel Carvajal – 8
The Spanish international was very good on the right flank for Real Madrid. He made up the ground very quickly and was not troubled by Draxler and Schurrle as he defended well. He was also there to provide crosses when going forward and looked lively. He provided the cross which led to the first goal.
Pepe – 7
The Portuguese defender made up for his performance in the first leg. He was very solid at the back along with his partner Ramos. He made some crucial tackles and interceptions. The experienced defender did not let any Wolfsburg attack develop into a proper threat and was there to block everything that came at him.
Sergio Ramos – 8
The captain led by example as he played brilliantly throughout the game. He was solid at the back and covered well for Marcelo on the left. He made some important blocks to deny the Wolfsburg players such as Henrique and Gustavo.
Marcelo – 7
The Brazilian left-back was not very effective defensively as Arnold and Henrique troubled him regularly. However, he was brilliant while going forward and linked up well with Benzema whenever the striker drifted to the wide areas.
Casemiro – 7
The Brazilian was very solid sitting in front of the back four for his side. He protected his defence very well by breaking up the ball on numerous occasions. His interceptions and blocks in the penalty area were crucial as it helped Real Madrid regain possession and release the pressure.
Luka Modric – 7
The Croatian midfielder was at his best again after having a difficult first leg. He worked hard at the centre of midfield and created several chances for his forwards to take advantage of. He maintained the possession for his side and passed the ball from defence to attack very quickly, releasing his forwards at the right time.
Toni Kroos – 7
The Germany international was very comfortable on the ball throughout the game as he broke up the Wolfsburg play time and again. His crossing and passing to create something for his team was praisable. He ran tirelessly for his side to regain possession quickly.
Gareth Bale – 6
The Welshman was always there to help Real on the break as they looked to play on the counter at times. He was very good with the ball at his feet but was missing from the game in the first half. He came into the game in the second half but the cutting edge was missing from his game.
Karim Benzema – 8
The French striker had a good game after a nightmare in the first leg. He was lively from the start of the game and kept it going until he was subbed off. He got a couple of great opportunities to score and should have taken them.
He played mostly on the left wing, interchanging positions with Ronaldo throughout the game, providing some teasing crosses.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 10
The hat-trick hero was brilliant throughout the game and almost won the tie single-handedly. He was a key player in this game and he produced a performance that was required of him.
His finishing was exquisite for the first goal. The second goal was a deft header while the freekick was cheeky as it went through the wall. Overall, a good day at the office for the Real Madrid man as he took his goal tally to 16 in the Champions League this season.
Substitutes
Jese Rodriguez – NA
The striker replaced Benzema at the 84th minute and should have scored with a curling shot but Benaglio made a great save.
Raphael Varane – NA
The French defender came on in added time to replace Luka Modric.