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Champions League: Real Madrid top Group G after win against Roma

By Mushtaq Nizamdin

AS Roma v FC Real Madrid : UEFA Champions League Group GReal Madrid greeting the supporters at Olimpico Stadium in Rome, Italy on November 27, 2018.(Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
AS Roma v FC Real Madrid : UEFA Champions League Group GReal Madrid greeting the supporters at Olimpico Stadium in Rome, Italy on November 27, 2018.(Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Group G match of the UEFA Champions League between AS Roma and Real Madrid at Stadio Olimpico on November 27, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images )
ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Group G match of the UEFA Champions League between AS Roma and Real Madrid at Stadio Olimpico on November 27, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images ) /

Second Half

With Real Madrid starting off the first half like molasses, they came back on the pitch after the intermission like molten lava. Manager Santiago Solari clearly got a message through to his men as they picked up the pace from the whistle.

Real Madrid’s swift high press is what caused Roma to cough up the ball, allowing them to pounce on their opponent. In the 47th-minute, the ball found it’s way to Gareth Bale who took a couple composed touches and then proceded to neatly slot the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal.

This goal helped Real Madrid plenty as Roma were in no mood to let this one go. Soon after, the home side turned on the pressure putting their laces through the ball on several occasions. Madrid scrambled to defend at some points while at others they were neatly organized.

Bale would have another go at goal as he sprung free on a counter going 1 vs. 1 against Olsen. His decision though wasn’t the right one as his shot went straight at the keeper. It was very unlike the Welshman who has the skill to chip or go around the keeper in his arsenal.

Just 12 minutes after the first goal, Lucas Vazquez would make his mark on the game adding one more goal to the games tally. Bale sent in a curling ball that was lifted for Karim Benzema on the back post which was then headed down to Lucas who intelligently stayed onside to redirect the ball goalward.

The goal was a wonderful display of the front three working together to put the ball in the back of the net.

Both teams were persistent in their effort to score but Real Madrid came out on top keeping a clean sheet. Solari decided to give minutes to Mariano Diaz, Federico Valverde, and Marco Asensio who had little impact in the dying minutes of the match.

Next. Is Gareth Bale’s time at Real Madrid running out?. dark

Conclusion

This performance wasn’t Real Madrid’s best but it also wasn’t their worst. After a poor match against Eibar earlier in the week, it’s great to see the squad shake it off and push through. Solari’s changes clearly worked well, especially ensuring a true CDM was present.

Having to beat Roma 2-0, Real Madrid has finished first in its group and are guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16. Their final match of the group stage will be played on December 12th at home against CSKA Moscow.

On December 17, the draw for the Round of 16 will take place where Real Madrid will find out who its next opponents are. Real Madrid’s next match will be against Valencia this Saturday in La Liga.

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more great Real Madrid coverage!

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