Real Madrid emerged victorious by 2 goals to 1 in Portugal against Sporting CP on matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League. Madrid took an early lead through defender Raphael Varane only to concede an equaliser late in the game from the penalty spot, but with minutes remaining on the clock, Karim Benzema restored the lead as Los Blancos walked with three points.
On a night when Madrid sealed qualification for the next round, let’s see how each player fared:
Keylor Navas – 6
Wasn’t troubled much as Sporting failed to ask questions from the Madrid goalkeeper, but failed to keep out Adrien Silva from the penalty spot in the 80th minute.
Daniel Carvajal – 6
The right-back was always looking to move forward and participate in attack and while he did spend a lot of time in the opponent’s half of the pitch, Carvajal failed to hit a single meaningful ball into the box throughout the match. Was solid defensively.
Raphael Varane – 9
Probably the best player for Madrid on the night. Solid at the back, his physical nature and determination leading to the opener for Madrid early in the first half. He kept the Sporting attackers in check throughout with a strong athletic display at the back.
Sergio Ramos – 7
Was scratchy at times in defence but recovered well. He played his part in the second goal picking out a delightful cross for Karim Benzema to pounce upon in the 87th minute.
Marcelo – 6
Was tested and beaten at times by the pace of Gelson out wide, but other than that, he looked sharp. Was taken off in the 70th minute.
Luka Modric – 7
As usual was Madrid’s creative hub as everything positive in the Galacticos’ play came from the Croatian. He distributed the ball very well and it was his free-kick that resulted in the first goal for Madrid.
Isco – 5
Was marked out of the game completely by a highly impressive William due to which the Spaniard failed to have any sort of impact on the game. Was taken off with 20 minutes to spare.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
A good outing for the former Inter midfielder, was crisp with his passing, completing more than 95% of his attempted passes.
Gareth Bale – 5
Struggled on the night, could not find any opening through the Sporting defence and was hauled off in the second half due to an injury to his right ankle.
Lucas Vazquez – 4
Another Madrid player who had a poor outing as he failed to stamp any sort of authority on the game. Struggled throughout to find spaces.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 5
Return to his former stomping ground did not end up as a memorable one for Ronaldo as he failed to make a single shot at goal throughout the game. A frustrating night for Madrid’s star player.
Substitutes
Fabio Coentrao – 4
Came on for Marcelo in the 70th minute and the left-back gave away a penalty within a short time on the field as he handled the ball in the area. the His arm was outstretched and was in an unnatural position, leading to questions regarding his awareness and defensive play.
Karim Benzema – 8
Benzema came to Madrid’s rescue in the 87th minute with a clinical header from a peach of a cross by captain Sergio Ramos, giving Madrid the victory and in turn securing qualification for the Round-of-16. It was his sixth strike of the season.