Real Madrid 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Ronaldo’s Brace Lands A Heavy Blow On French Champions
Things were all done right at the Bernabeu when Real Madrid reminded the world of their class and character as they came back from behind to win 3-1 against French giants, Paris St. Germain. The love story between Cristiano Ronaldo and the Champions League strengthened as the master netted a brace.
The away side were on the front foot and deservedly led through Adrien Rabiot, a goal for which Mbappe produced some magical football. 13 minutes later, Toni Kroos was dragged down inside the box. This penalty levelled the score before Ronaldo put the Galacticos in the lead in the 83rd minute. Marcelo accelerated forward and arranged an easier second leg by making it 3-1, with the help of the individual brilliance of Asensio.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Keylor Navas: 7/10
Made crucial saves throughout the game, came off his lines confidently but mistimed his dive when he conceded.
Nacho: 6/10
He managed to do well when he was positioned deeper. Otherwise, he struggled to match Neymar’s pace and trickery. Going forward, Nacho was alright and safe.
Raphael Varane: 8/10
Very powerful and influential in the air, barely allowed any PSG attacker to get the better of him. He made fine tackles and won challenges.
Sergio Ramos: 8/10
A well-planned performance alongside Varane. Settled down as the game went on and galloped forward on a few occasions. He took good care of Cavani. Ramos was solid for the most part of the game.
Marcelo: 8.5/10
Got forward with a statement and pace, completed take ons, dribbled past players and made some clever overlapping runs. Finally, got a well-deserved goal.
Luka Modric: 8/10
Threaded passes together, combined well with Isco to create an attacking platform for the front two. His defensive work rate was fantastic along with his vision.
Casemiro: 7/10
Wasn’t assembled always, couldn’t quite win the 50-50 challenges or read the game as well as he usually does. Nonetheless, he spread the attack well and set his fellow midfielders free.
Toni Kroos: 9/10
Kroos was technically brilliant. His turning, change of pace, decisive forward runs and link-up play with Modric was a treat to watch. He won an important penalty too.
Isco: 8.5/10
Isco was at his creative best when he drove forward, created a handful of chances for Benzema and pressed well to win the ball back. His runs were well disguised and crafted too. Overall, a polished performance.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 9.5/10
Yet again, he was at the right place at the right time. His twinkle-toed dribbling and cut inside was a real threat throughout the game. He got his 100th and 101st goal for Madrid in the UCL, a record-breaking number.
Karim Benzema: 7.5/10
Missed out on a goal but it was due to his selflessness that Ronaldo could plug in gaps and run into pockets of space. Benzema held the ball well and interchanged key passes with Ronaldo.
Substitutes
Gareth Bale: 8/10
Bale expressed himself to the maximum extent, helped Ronaldo play more centrally and stretched the PSG back line.
Lucas Vazquez: 7/10
Helped in a couple of counter-attacks.
Marco Asensio: 8/10
Created the third goal and made a couple of superb solo runs. A display full of energy and fresh legs.