Real Madrid began the defence of their UEFA Champions League trophy with a dominating 3-0 win over Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia, at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It did not take long for Cristiano Ronaldo to show what Madrid were missing during his absence, as he buried home a Gareth Bale cross in the 12th minute to give the home team a 1-0 lead. Seven minutes into the second period, the Portuguese doubled the advantage for Zinedine Zidane’s side, with a cool penalty, following a handball in the box by an APOEL defender. Captain Sergio Ramos made it three soon after, with an overhead kick from close range to add further misery to the visitors.
Here’s how the Madrid players fared on the night;
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Keylor Navas – 6/10
Apart from dealing with a free-kick in the first-half, the Costa Rican had absolutely nothing to do between the sticks.
Dani Carvajal – 7/10
Played a few quality crosses, but is yet to hit his best form. Booked in the second period.
Nacho – 6.5/10
Untested at the back as the visitors rarely attacked, Nacho had one of the most comfortable games of his career.
Sergio Ramos – 7.5/10
Not a lot to do defensively, but dealt with whatever little came his way with great ease. Popped up in the opposition box to score an acrobatic overhead kick – his 69th goal for Madrid.
Marcelo – 7/10
Another typical performance filled with energy and marauding runs down the left-hand side. Had little to worry about at the back.
Luka Modric – 7.5/10
A stroll in the park for the Croatian as he controlled the game brilliantly for Madrid in the middle of the park.
Casemiro – 7/10
Solid performance in the middle of the park, providing the base for the rest of his attacking teammates to venture forward.
Mateo Kovacic – NA
Taken off injured in the 25th minute, after a dangerous challenge from Nuno Morais.
Isco – 7/10
Popped up everywhere in the attacking third, with the APOEL players finding it hard to tie him down. Played a part in the opening goal, but missed a great opportunity to score himself in the second period.
Gareth Bale – 8/10
Brilliant low cross for the opening goal. Headed over from close on a couple of occasions in the first half. It was his cross from the left-side that won Madrid the penalty and was involved in the third goal as well. Growing in confidence.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 9/10
Returning to action after having been suspended from the domestic competitions, the Portuguese maverick opened the scoring, and doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Had a goal chalked off for offside late on. Could have had plenty more on the night.
Substitutes
Toni Kroos – 7.5/10
Replaced the injured Kovacic. Does he ever misplace a pass? Probably not. Kept things ticking well.
Dani Ceballos – 7/10
On for Isco in the 72nd minute to make his debut in the Champions League. A bright little cameo.
Borja Mayoral – NA
Came on to replace Bale late in the game. Denied a goal wrongly by the offside flag.