Real Madrid seemed to be heading out of the UEFA Champions League until the 60th minute of the Round of 16 2nd leg match against Paris Saint-Germain. But the dilly-dallying Donnarumma gifted Los Blancos a route to come back on a platter, which Karim Benzema accepted with both arms to peg one goal back in the 61st minute. That goal changed the course of the match, shifting the momentum entirely in Real Madrid’s favour backed by the Bernabéu faithful that were as voracious as ever.
A lot of players produced their highest levels during the game, helping the team overturn a two-goal deficit in the final 30 minutes of the 2nd leg, a phase of the game where only one team played, according to manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The Real Madrid players turned on the style in what was one of the most famous European nights for the team in recent history. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing unfold on the screen of my laptop at around 10 minutes past 3 in the morning here in India. The comeback by Real Madrid epitomized the renowned ‘Real Madrid DNA,’ the never-say-die attitude that has etched the name of the club as the greatest of all time.
We must appreciate the entire team for their spirited showing, their undying determination, and some solid character. However, it is also obvious that there were some players at the core of the victory and who deserve more respect after sending PSG packing out of the competition.
The media, the fans of other clubs, the pundits – basically everyone except the Madridistas have failed to respect certain Real Madrid players as much as they should have been. It’s okay, to be honest. Fans will almost always be biased towards the players of the club they are supporting, and would always put them above players of other clubs. But the world must learn to appreciate just how good Real Madrid players are. They are a part of the team for a reason after all.
Let’s take a look at the three players who deserve more respect after the 3-1 win against PSG.