Real Madrid back with nothing to prove and everything to lose – three takeaways from the win over APOEL
Real Madrid are back to winning ways after cruising to a 3-0 win over Cypriot side APOEL at home. Here are three takeaways from the win.
Highlights
Real Madrid kicked off yet another Champions League campaign last night against APOEL at the Bernabéu. The match was surprising, to say the least, as APOEL hung in with Real for the first half and this was not due to a poor performance, but that people were expecting more from the 12 time UCL winners.
Facing a side who has just returned to the Champions League after a 5-year absence and without question the minnows of Group H many were expecting a thrashing.
Cristiano Ronaldo was glad to return to action scoring two goals and nearly picking up an assist as well. CR7 started off the scoring in the 12th minute receiving a darting cross from Gareth Bale that beat three defenders with laser guided precision.
Ronaldo added to his goal tally by firing home a penalty in the 51st minute. The final goal was scored by Sergio Ramos with a brilliant chilnea in the 61st minute. With 24 shots by Real Madrid over the 90 minutes, it was a wonder how the scoreline ended at just 3-0.
The GOAT Returns
With one game still left in Ronaldo’s five games domestic ban, the Portuguese star came out of blocks at full speed. Cristiano scored 2 goals with a hat trick dangling over his head just unable to snatch it. Cristiano took 9 shots over the course of the game with 3 on target and one hitting the cross bar.
"“Cristiano is the best in the world. He is a player who is always there and always put goals. He could’ve had four at least tonight” – Zidane on Cristiano Ronaldo"
The winger’s presence in the match against APOEL showed just how much Real are missing the goal scoring machine. Ronaldo was close to picking up an assist as he squared the ball for Borja Mayoral but the play was waved offside.
Ronaldo’s Champions League Stats
- 12 goals in last 6 Champions League matches
- 92 goals in 89 games
- Scored in the first game of the UCL campaign 8 years in a row
- Has more goals than Atletico Madrid in the UCL
- Scored 30 braces
Injury Plague
Real Madrid was hit with yet another injury yesterday now shrinking the depth that was so integral to the clubs success last season. Mateo Kovacic pulled up with discomfort after making a simple pass towards Marcelo in the 25th minute. The injury was quite puzzling as no contact was made with another player which makes it even more worrisome.
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Real Madrid posted on their official page an announcement of Kovacic’s injury. The medical report stated that Mateo sustained a “partial tear of the adductor tendon in his right leg”. In simpler terms, an injury to the inside of his right thigh.
Kovacic left the pitch teary eyed obviously upset that he was not able to help lead Madrid to victory. His tears were also an omen as to how serious the injury was as he clearly felt something was off and knew the result.
Toni Kroos took the Croatian’s spot on the pitch which of course is a delightful substitute but not one Zidane wanted to make. Now that Mateo is injured this pushes Dani Cabellos up the pecking order of midfielders.
Injury List
- Matteo Kovacic (6-8 weeks)
- Karim Benzema (4-6 weeks )
- Marco Asensio (day to day)
Gareth Bale
It was delightful to see the Welsh Dragon back to his fire breathing ways with Los Blancos. It may come to the surprise of many that Bale seems to be more effective alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and not intimidated as some would expect. From being whistled week after week by the faithful of Madrid including last night he has persevered.
"“He is known to fight for Real Madrid on the pitch. Of course when one of our teammates is whistled it affects us all.” -Casemiro on Bale negativity"
Bale assisted Ronaldo in superb fashion but unfortunately was unable to get onto the score sheet himself having taken 4 shots. With 5 brilliant crosses, he was looking like the threatening winger we have missed for some time now.
"“He was good tonight. He can play any positon upfront” – Zidane on Bale’s performance"
Next: Real Madrid 3 – APOEL 0: player ratings