Real Madrid rescued a point late in the game in Germany against Borussia Monchengladbach after going two goals down.
Real Madrid needed two late goals from Karim Benzema and Casemiro to earn a point against Borussia Monchengladbach away from home.
Zinedine Zidane opted for continuity with his line-up against the German side by electing the same starting eleven as he did against Barcelona three days ago, except for Lucas Vazquez coming in for the injured Nacho. Here is how the players performed.
Zinedine Zidane – 5.5/10
Zidane’s team once again lacked the intensity that they showed against Barcelona. His team has struggled to create concrete chances against teams with low blocks.
The coach is the one who needs to find solutions and if the team continues to look clueless in the attack against similar opponents, the coach needs to be questioned. It is worth noting that his substitutions in the second half did help usher a comeback for Real Madrid.
Thibaut Courtois -6.5/10
Courtois made a brilliant save to deny Marcus Thuram his hat-trick and ultimately allowed for Real Madrid’s comeback. He could have done better with the second goal.
Lucas Vazquez – 6.5/10
Lucas Vazquez didn’t have the best defensive shift, but he worked hard and did well to be an outlet in attack.
Raphael Varane – 6/10
The last three games in the Champions League has been a struggle for Varane. His tame clearance led to Borussia Monchengladbach’s first goal.
He is a world-class defender, and there is no doubt about it. He still managed to complete four interceptions and won three aerial duels. The Frenchman needs to put the UCL ghost behind him and play like the World Cup winner he is if Real Madrid is to go far in this season.
Sergio Ramos – 7.5/10
Ramos struggled to keep up with Gladbach’s attacks in transition, but he wasn’t at fault for either goal. However, his leadership proved to be the key for Real Madrid’s comeback as he rallied his team late on. He also won the header to assist Casemiro’s equalizer.
Ferland Mendy – 6/10
Mendy didn’t have the best of games. He tried hard in attack but did not click with Vinicius. The Merengues’ left-back got better after the introduction of Eden Hazard. Mendy also kept Thuram onside on the second goal.
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Casemiro – 8/10
Casemiro did not have the best of games defensively. He has been playing a level below he did last season, and Zidane will be hoping the Brazilian will get back to his best soon. He still managed to win four interceptions.
Casemiro also won the ball that led to Benzema’s opener and finally scored the equalizer in the 92nd minute.
Fede Valverde – 7/10
Valverde put on another solid display in the midfield. There are still some parts of his games that need improving, mostly his ability under pressure and his distribution. However, he keeps improving and showing his importance to this Real Madrid team.
Toni Kroos – 5.5/10
Toni Kroos did not have his usual masterclass. He completed only 86 percent of his passes, well below the standard he has set. The German was replaced in the 70th minute.
Marco Asensio – 7/10
Marco Asensio was the only forward in the first half who created some danger in the opposition half. He completed two dribbles and created shots for himself.
Vinicius Junior – 3.5/10
It was another disappointing performance from Vinicius. He did not pose much of a threat in the attack and only completed two of his five attempted dribbles.
Karim Benzema – 6.5/10
Benzema was a non-factor for large stretches of the match. He got more involved following the introduction of Eden Hazard. He created a lovely ball for Hazard, but the Belgian’s effort went just wide. Benzema finally scored Real Madrid’s first goal that led to the comeback.
Substitutes
Luka Modric – 7/10
Luka Modric continues to be a vital part of Zidane’s team. He was a fresh introduction in the second half and elevated Real Madrid’s game.
Eden Hazard – 6.5/10
It was good to see Hazard back in action. He had some moments and linked well with Mendy and Benzema. The Belgian almost scored on his return, but his effort hit the side-netting.
Rodrygo – N/A
Rodrygo came in and helped Los Blancos’ late comeback. He was in the field for less than 10 minutes.