Real Madrid players shine in thrilling Spain – Portugal draw

There was no shortage of Real Madrid players present in the thrilling 3-3 draw between Spain and Portugal Friday night in Sochi. Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a magnificent hat-trick and Nacho Fernandez threw his name in the ring for the best goal of the tournament. Here is a full recap of the match.

There were seven current Real Madrid players and one former Madrid player in the lineups for the first group stage match between La Roja and The Navigators. Three Real Madrid players started the match for Spain with Sergio Ramos and Nacho in the defense and Isco in the midfield.

The only Madrid player to start for Portugal was, of course, the captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. Former Los Blancos defender Pepe featured in the Portuguese defense and was up to his usual antics of chippy play.

Lucas Vazquez would come on as a substitute in the final minutes of the match, but overall this was a La Liga duel with the best from the Spanish top league showing how good they truly are. Here are the key highlights from Real Madrid players.

Ronaldo is fouled by Nacho in the box, scores on the penalty (4th minute)

The game got off to a quick start with some Real Madrid on Real Madrid violence as Nacho Fernandez, filling in for Dani Carvajal, fouled Cristiano Ronaldo on the edge of the box. After consulting the Video Assistant Referee, it was confirmed that the correct decision was given and a penalty was the correct call.

Ronaldo stepped up and confidently stroked the ball into the bottom right corner of the net, completely fooling goalkeeper David De Gea.

Following the goal, Ronaldo shot a cheeky smirk Nacho’s way, showing that being club teammates means nothing on the international stage.

Ronaldo scores his second on a blunder by De Gea (44th minute)

After scoring the opener, Ronaldo went relatively quiet as Spain started to work their way into the match. Despite not getting many touches or making an impact for 40 minutes, the man, the myth, the legend CR7 stepped up big and forced a mistake out of the Spanish goalkeeper.

De Gea couldn’t handle the strong shot from outside the box and Ronaldo put the Portuguese in front for the second time.

Nacho Fernandez scores an incredible goal (58th minute)

The defender who can play in any position on the back line stepped up and scored one of the best half volley goals you will ever see. Just three minutes after Diego Costa tied the match.

Nacho is not known for his goalscoring ability – he scored four total in 35 appearances this season – but this was truly a thing of beauty. The ball pinged so hard off the inside of the post it managed to find its way into the opposite side netting.

You could tell by the look on his face that even Nacho was surprised with the incredible goal.

Lucas Vazquez replaces David Silva (86th minute)

The right winger who had a breakout season in 2017/2018 made his first World Cup appearance late in this match coming on shortly before Ronaldo tied the match.

Lucas completed all four of the passes he made in his short time on the field but his pace and concise passing could tempt manager Fernando Hierro into considering playing him more in the matches to come.

CR7 silences the haters with a jaw-dropping free kick (88th minute)

One of the most clutch, incredible goals I have seen. Ever.

With the weight of an entire country on his back, CR7 stepped up and perfectly hit the free-kick into the back of teh net, leaving David De Gea rooted to the spot.

You will never see anything better than this.

Honorable mentions

Isco runs the show in the midfield

Confident as can be, Isco was the best player in the Spanish midfield by a longshot. The ‘bandy-legged bandit’ was dribbling through and past Portuegese players at will, he drew fouls, and should’ve scored in the first half but was denied by the crossbar.

The system the national team runs clearly benefits number 22 as he has time and again shown that he is a world-class player. He completed 89 of his 94 passes on 123 touches, made three beautiful dribbles, and had two shots on target.

Despite playing with Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta and talented CDM Sergio Busquets, Isco was by far the best of the three.

Next: Real Madrid beat out Barcelona, sign Brazilian wonderkid Rodrygo

Fernando Hierro impresses in first outing as manager

The former Real Madrid player and newly appointed boss did well manaing his team, however, it was not the outcome he would’ve wanted. His team dominated possession and had the bulk of the chances yet saw the match end in a 3-3 draw.

It was a thrilling match to watch from a neutral perspective, but as a Real Madrid fan, it was even better watching the club’s players put on a show.

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more World Cup coverage!