Real Madrid 3-2 Borussia Dortmund: Player Ratings
Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record of scoring in each and every group game, as Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2.
Real took the lead early through a Borja Mayoral goal, and were 2-0 ahead just a few minutes later after an exquisite strike from Ronaldo.
But, just minutes before the end of the half, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored with his head to get Dortmund back in the game. Not long after the interval, they’d be level through that man again, as his chip made it 2-2.
The game then looked set to end in a draw, as Madrid were forced into crosses and long-range efforts, until a slightly scuffed volley from Lucas Vazquez spun away from Burki and into the corner.
Here are the player ratings from the match:
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas – 6
Navas made a great stop to deny Aubameyang originally, but he could do nothing about his chip over his head as he made it 2-2. Furthermore, the opening goal was an unstoppable header, meaning there was no blame on the keeper.
Nacho – 8
Nacho was excellent at both right-back and centre-back. He played an important part in the second goal as his dangerous delivery would eventually make it’s way to Ronaldo. Then in the second half, he made a crucial tackle to stop Aubameyang who was racing through on goal.
Raphael Varane – 6
Varane was efficient and solid at the back for Madrid, passing out well from the back and cutting out the danger early. However, he had to come off through injury just before the end of the first half.
Sergio Ramos – 6
Ramos was solid at centre back, but Aubameyang certainly caused the Madrid captain some problems.
Theo Hernandez – 8
Hernandez put in a very good shift at left-back, proving how good he could be in the future. Going forward he was delivering some impressive fast-paced crosses, and dealt with Pulisic with ease defensively.
Mateo Kovacic – 6
Kovacic was solid for the most part, but fizzled out slightly in the second half as the momentum shifted Dortmund’s way and he was eventually subbed for Ceballos after 58 minutes.
Casemiro – 8
Casemiro put in another fine performance in a Madrid shirt. The Brazilian was snuffing out any Dortmund danger, and showed a great range of passing on the ball.
Isco – 8
Isco supplied the assist for Mayoral’s goal, even if it was not quite intentional, and from that moment on he took control of the game. He dictated the play making lots of key passes and weaving in and out of the Dortmund midfield and defence.
Lucas Vazquez – 7
After Varane’s injury, Vazquez was forced to play at right back. Charging forward, he allowed Schmelzer some space on the left-hand side, and it led to Dortmund’s route back into the game at 2-1. However, he redeemed himself scoring Real’s eventual winner, with a volley into the bottom corner.
Borja Mayoral – 8
Mayoral will be very pleased with his performance. He scored Madrid’s opener and showed how gifted he is, making himself lots of other chances and showing great link up too.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 9
Ronaldo set a new record, scoring in every group game this season. He was instrumental in the opening goal and scored a fantastic goal from outside the box, leaving Burki with no chance. Then he continued to wreak havoc all night, and was extremely unlucky not to get a second.
Substitutes:
Marco Asensio – 7
Asesnsio’s lack of awareness to realise Schmelzer was close, allowed him to nip in and set up Dortmund’s first goal of the game and it took until Isco was taken off, for the Spaniard to come into the game. But from that moment on, he was fantastic, putting in some magnificent deliveries.
Dani Ceballos – 7
Ceballos was lively and impressive off the bench, bringing some energy back to the Los Blancos midfield, which seemed to go missing early in the second half.
Marcos Llorente – 6
Llorente was solid in midfield and mainly recycled possession, swapping positions with Asensio, who was having to play a deeper role.