Full Time: Real Madrid 4-2 Bayern Munich
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid saw off 10-man Bayern Munich 4-2 after extra-time at the Santiago Bernabeu to secure the holders’ place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Bayern started the game on the front foot and could have taken the lead in the 8th minute itself, when Arjen Robben spurned a great opportunity. Karim Benzema had a chance for Madrid halfway through the first period, but headed wide. Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos came close, but were denied. Madrid looked to threaten on the counter, but couldn’t break the deadlock as half-time arrived.
Die Roten opened the scoring in the 52nd minute after Robert Lewandowski made no mistake from the penalty spot, following Casemiro’s foul on Robben. Ronaldo equalized in the 76th minute with a bullet header to all but confirm qualification, but an own goal from captain Sergio Ramos mean the aggregate score was 3-3, forcing the tie into extra time.
Bayern lost a man as midfielder Arturo Vidal received his second caution and Madrid made their number advantage count with Ronaldo scoring in the 105th minute. Four minutes later, the talismanic Portuguese completed his hat-trick, before substitute Marco Asensio added a fourth to put Munich out of their misery.
How did the Madrid players rate on the night? Find out below:
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Keylor Navas – 6/10
Alert to situations. Came out of his lines swiftly on two occasions to thwart Bayern on the counter. Not much he could do about either goals.
Dani Carvajal – 7.5/10
Forced a fine save from Neuer from a low driven effort in the first-half. One of Madrid’s most impressive player going forward, equally steady in defence.
Nacho – 7/10
The fourth-choice defender in the pecking order is making the most of the opportunities he is getting, as he put in another solid display in the heart of the defence. Seems to be growing in confidence.
Sergio Ramos – 6/10
Saw an effort blocked in the goal-mouth in the 27th minute. Did not give Lewandowski much breathing room, but ended up scoring a bizarre own goal. Made amends by setting up Ronaldo’s second.
Marcelo – 9/10
Superbly blocked Thiago’s early effort on the goal line, before producing another in second-half to deny Robben. Tireless runner as he created a plethora of chances going forward. A fine run and assist for Ronaldo’s third.
Casemiro – 7/10
Gave away the penalty with a careless challenge on Robben. But otherwise he was as solid as usual. Made the most number of tackles on the pitch. Set up Madrid’s opener with a pinpoint cross for Ronaldo.
Luka Modric – 7/10
Was key to some fine attacking play in the first-half for Madrid. His crisp passing, combined with the quick turns and incisive running caused Bayern problems.
Toni Kroos – 6/10
Had two great opportunities, but could not score. An excellent pass accuracy of 94% in the game, but not really effective as his midfield partner.
Isco – 6/10
Worked extremely hard on his rare start in the Champions League, but couldn’t influence the proceedings as much as he would’ve liked. Dispossessed on a lot of occasions..
Karim Benzema – 5/10
Struggled to get into the game and offered very little in terms of attacking contribution. Wasn’t surprising that he was taken off in the 63rd minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 9/10
Should have passed to Benzema in front of goal in the first period instead of seeing his shot saved. Missed a couple of chances thereafter. However, scored the crucial goal with a powerful header, before adding a second in the extra time – his 100th Champions League goal and went on to add his 101st as well. Aided by some poor refereeing as the goals looked to have been scored from offside positions. You never write him off.
Substitutes
Marco Asensio – 8/10
Replaced Benzema in the 63rd minute. Scored a wonderful individual goal in the extra time to take Madrid’s tally to four.
Lucas Vazquez – 6/10
Came on for Isco with around 20 minutes left to play. Added his usual pace and zip down the right-side.
Mateo Kovacic – NA
Replaced Kroos for the final few minutes of extra time.