Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham

It was a back and forth match between Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur in matchday 3 of the Champions League group stage. Here are three takeaways from the draw.

Real Madrid should have won this game

This might be a negative way to start the three takeaways article off, but it was my first thought when the final whistle blew on this match. Real dominated the possession, had lots of great chances in front of goal, and were consistent in shutting down Harry Kane.

Taking a look at the stats alone show that this match was in Madrid’s hands from start to finish. Take out the lone mistake by Raphael Varane on the own goal, and I think Los Blancos could’ve won at least 2-0.

Not only are the stats mind-bogglingly one-sided, but the chances created by Isco, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema looked like goals for sure.

Ronaldo hit the post in the 4th minute and Karim pushed the rebound wide of the open net. On another occasion in the first half, a beautiful one-two play from Benzema to Ronaldo saw the Portuguese beast push the shot just wide of the post.

I don’t want to be a pessimist, but Real Madrid doesn’t have the same finishing abilities in front of goal that they had a year ago.

Even after bringing on Lucas Vasquez and Marco Asensio, Real seemed to slow down after pushing hard for a breakthrough goal before the hour mark.

While a draw is a good result against a good Tottenham side, I’m disappointed they couldn’t manage to come out with all 3 points.