The Real Champs
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Champions League: Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s dramatic draw with Mönchengladbach

By Ben Sundock

MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 27: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Karim Benzema of Real Madrid and Rodrygo of Real Madrid gesture during the UEFA Champions League Group B stage match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Real Madrid at Borussia-Park on October 27, 2020 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 27: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Karim Benzema of Real Madrid and Rodrygo of Real Madrid gesture during the UEFA Champions League Group B stage match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Real Madrid at Borussia-Park on October 27, 2020 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid dug themselves a two-goal deficit once again in the Champions League Tuesday night but managed to claw back to earn a draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

The first 60 minutes of this match looked shockingly similar to the match six days ago when Real Madrid lost 3-2 to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano. Despite controlling possession and creating some decent chances, Los Blancos trailed at the break and were staring consecutive defeats in the Champions League in the face.

But, with the addition of Luka Modric and the season debut of Eden Hazard in the 70th minute, Real started to get some bounces and found two goals in the 87th and 92nd minutes to earn an all-important point.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid and Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid. (Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid and Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid. (Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /

Undone by the counter-attack once again

Real Madrid poured on shots (21), shots on target (6), created some solid chances, and had 66 percent of the possession when everything was all said and done.

In fact, the visitors did not allow a shot on goal or a chance to Gladbach until the 33′ minute when Alassane Plea and Marcus Thuram picked apart the Real backline and scored a stunning goal. The finish was spectacular and there was nothing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could do,

But it was what led to that first goal which concerns me.

Quite simply, the backline fell asleep – much like they have several times this year – and allowed two players to make good runs in behind and undo all their hard work.

After Raphael Varane failed to clear the ball, Gladbach made three quick passes and with Sergio Ramos well out of position, Thuram was able to get in behind Lucas Vazquez and find the top corner of the net.

The same thing happened on the second goal.

Real failed to recognize a counter-attack was forming, fell asleep defensively, and left two Mönchengladbach players unmarked. Again, Courtois did all he could to stop the first shot, but Ferland Mendy held Thuram onside and none of the other defenders were in the area to clear the danger.

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