Real Madrid added another to their collection of European Remontadas as they completed a comeback led by Karim Benzema inside 18 minutes. And, just like that, a tie of 180 minutes was decided within 18 quality minutes from the men in white.
This was a statement victory and people may finally take Real Madrid as serious contenders moving ahead in the marquee competition. Here is my post-game analysis highlighting some stars and some flops in a performance that the world will remember for a long time.
Star: Sub, Rodrygo Goes
Real Madrid’s right-wing was absolutely ineffective in the first half, the reason was a usual one, Marco Asensio. He was a ghost in this game again. Rodrygo Goes came on for the right-winger at the hour mark as was expected. I was a hundred per cent sure about Asensio starting because of this ability to score out of nothing.
Rodrygo came on and changed the atmosphere on the right flank for Real Madrid. He looked full of pace and took on defenders. His defensive work rate impressed me and he added to Real Madrid’s press. He had a role to play in the winner and was responsible for recycling possession before giving the ball to Vinicius Jr., during the sequence of play which resulted in Benzema’s first-time shot to win the tie. It’s a good few steps forward for Rodrygo, I hope he doesn’t take a step back like he has done this season.
Star: Sub, Eduardo Camavinga
Scorer of the wonder goal in the weekend, Real Madrid’s 19-year old midfielder, Eduardo Camavinga should’ve started this game for Real Madrid. But, the Italian coach instead went for the returning veteran Toni Kroos. Camavinga came on as a positive change for Los Blancos and started pumping energy with his every touch of the ball.
His passing range was of great use to Real Madrid as was his pressing abilities. Together with Valverde, Real Madrid’s pressing game in the middle of the park was top-notch. Camavinga continues to be the match-changing sub for Real Madrid at the business end of the season, as I predicted him to be.