The Real Champs
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Real Madrid: 5 Greatest UCL Knockout Moments from 2010s

By Prasanna Baidya

TOPSHOT - Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) overhead kicks and scores during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg football match between Juventus and Real Madrid at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on April 3, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Alberto PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) overhead kicks and scores during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg football match between Juventus and Real Madrid at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on April 3, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Alberto PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid - Modric masterclass against Atletico Madrid
Luka Modric of Real Madrid (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images) /

4. Midfield masterclass (Atletico vs. Real Madrid – Semi-Final, 2nd Leg, 2016/2017)

Real Madrid won the 1st Leg of this semi-final tie 3-0 with a Ronaldo hattrick. They had dominated the game and completely outclassed their city rivals. Los Blancos already had one foot in the final. So what was so special about this match that makes it in our list of greatest UCL Knockout moments?

Let me set the stage. Atletico Madrid was playing their last Champions League match in Vicente Calderon. They had a point to prove. The Calderon was loud and hostile to everything Real Madrid. Atletico started the game in top gear and was ready to turn the tie around. Their players were on top of every loose ball, winning every 50-50 challenge and creating havoc. An early goal from Saul Niguez and a penalty from Antoine Griezeman meant that the Rojiblancos were 2-0 up within the first 16 minutes. It was the perfect start for the team in Red and White. Atletico was in prime position to make the comeback reality.

However, Luka Modric and co had a different idea. They were not going to go down at the hands of their neighbors. What we witnessed next was masterclass game management. Modric, along with Toni Kroos and Isco, took control of the game and gave a beautiful display of football. Their ability to hold the ball, get out of the press as well as command the tempo restricted further threat from Atletico. With better play in midfield, Los Blancos were able to create opportunities of their own. Karim Benzema’s skillful display led to Isco scoring in the 43rd-minute goal that took the life out of Los Rojiblancos.

The second half was even better. Modric was having one of his best games in Madrid shirt. He took the responsibility to make sure Real Madrid maintained the 4-2 aggregate lead and qualified for the final. The Croatian and Isco both had nine completed dribbles in that game. They were running circles around Atleti’s players, and with some better finishing could have easily won the match as well.

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