Real Madrid only just managed to secure their place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.
The visitors wasted absolutely no time in getting off the mark, with Mario Mandzukic scoring a slick header in the second minute of the match. He then went on score a similar goal past Keylor Navas in the 37th minute after getting on the end of a Stephan Lichtsteiner cross.
Real Madrid were dominating possession for large part of the game, but Juventus were the far more threatening and clinical side. Los Blancos came close on a number of occasions, but Allegri’s men were solid at the back and Gianluigi Buffon was at his very best on the night.
Just as it seemed as if this match would head into extra time, Medhi Benatia brought Lucas Vazquez down in the box in the second minute of stoppage time, gifting Real Madrid a penalty. Gianluigi Buffon’s outburst and subsequent shoving of referee Michael Oliver got him sent off and Cristiano Ronaldo made no mistake from 12 yards out, smashing the ball past a helpless Wojciech Szczesny.
Keylor Navas: 5/10
Made three saves, but conceded three goals. Could do nothing for the first goal. Will be disappointed to be beaten at the far post for the second and perhaps could’ve done better for that. The third goal was entirely his fault, when he scuffed a simple catch. Howlers like that cannot stand at a stage like this and he was duly punished by Matuidi. Thankfully for him, it didn’t prove to be too costly in the end.
Dani Carvajal: 7/10
Should have marked Mandzukic better for the first two goals. But coming up against a player of Mandzukic’s build, this was to be expected. Besides that, the Spaniard had a decent game in both attack and defence. Recovered possession for his side well, made some key interceptions, completed 3 takeons and put in a fair few crosses. Lively on the right hand side.
Raphael Varane: 7.5/10
The Frenchman was Real’s best defender on the night. He missed Sergio Ramos alongside side him, but dealt with whatever came his way very well. Wasn’t at fault for any of the goals and his teammates around him didn’t help.
Jesus Vallejo: 6/10
Took some time to get into the groove of things and seemed a little lost sometimes. Should have done better to close down on Pjanic for the cross that led to Mandzukic’s opener. Wasn’t at fault for the other two goals. He is no Ramos, but he did the best he could of what was asked of him.
Marcelo: 4/10
Perhaps his worst game this season. Douglas Costa and Stephan Lichtsteiner ran him ragged. Couldn’t contribute at all going forward and had his hands full defensively. Both of the crosses for the first 2 goals came from his flank, was caught out of position a number of times and his passing wasn’t at its best.
Toni Kroos: 7.5 /10
Kept things moving for his side in the middle of the park. Dictated large parts of the game and misplaced only 3 passes the entire night, getting a 97% pass accuracy. Distributed intelligently and cut a composed figure in the middle of the park. After Casemiro’s substitution, had to take up a more defensive role.
Casemiro: 5/10
Rather unceremoniously taken off during the break as Zidane looked to add more width to the Real Madrid attack and switch to a 4-4-2 formation. Didn’t do too much wrong in the first half, but wasn’t his best self and was the least effective of the three Real Madrid midfielders.
Luka Modric: 7/10
The Croatian didn’t have his best game in a Real Madrid shirt. Was good in the first half, kept things moving in the middle of the park and dealt with Khedira, Pjanic and Matuidi well. Looked tired as the game went on and isolated as Juve picked up the pace. Slowly faded out in the second half. He was subbed off in the 75th minute.
Isco: 6/10
Misplaced only 2 passes the entire game and completed 4 takeons. His end product was off and he never seemed to be able to nail that final, defence splitting pass. Didn’t get as much time on the ball as he would’ve liked and his influence reduced as the game went on. Took a number of shots and forced saves from Buffon.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 8/10
Stepped up when his team needed him the most and delivered, and that alone deserves a high rating. His downward header to Vazquez also contributed to his side winning the penalty. Attempted more shots than anyone else on the pitch, was dominant in the air and caused a lot trouble (more than the rest of his teammates) in the Juventus defence.
Gareth Bale: 5/10
Not good at all from the Welshman. In fairness, he isn’t suited to play in a more central role and Zidane needs to consider using him on the wing more. Came close to getting on the scoresheet on a few occasions, but was otherwise largely anonymous and later subbed off during half time.
Substitutes
Lucas Vazquez: 6/10
Brought on in after half time for Casemiro, as Zidane looked to add more width to Real’s attack. His performance could be labelled decent at best. But his biggest contribution was winning the penalty that ultimately helped his side go through.
Marco Asensio: 6/10
Introduced after half time in place of Gareth Bale, but couldn’t do much to influence proceedings. Wasn’t able to make an impact going forward, but he worked hard. Combined well with Isco on a few occasions and sent in a few crosses, but only 2 of them found their mark. His poor run of form continues.
Mateo Kovacic: N/A
Was brought on for Luka Modric in the 75th minute to try and shore up the defence with a pair of fresh legs. Couldn’t take control of midfield, but didn’t make mistakes or do anything that proved costly for his team.
