After conjuring up magic to save Real Madrid from the brink of elimination against PSG in the previous round, it was again Karim Benzema’s night – this time in west London – as two first-half headers and pouncing on Edouard Mendy’s early second-half mistake has now confined Champions League holders Chelsea to an unenviable second leg recovery mission on April 13. Continue reading
Tag: Luka Modric
Real Madrid (3) 3-1 (2) PSG: Benzema’s second-half hat-trick secures unlikely comeback
Karim Benzema’s 17-minute hat-trick sent the Bernabeu into raptures, as Real Madrid produced the seemingly improbable: recovering from 1-0 down on the night, and 2-0 on aggregate, stunning PSG to progress into the Champions League quarter-finals. The visitors, ahead after Kylian Mbappe’s near-post finish six minutes before half-time, capitulated again. Continue reading
Real Madrid 2-0 B. Monchengladbach: 5 Hits and Flops as both book knockout places
Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach were 90 minutes away from ending Real Madrid’s record of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages – 25 years and counting – after Karim Benzema’s first-half brace sunk Marco Rose’s men on MD6, confirming they progress as Group B winners. Which players excelled while others wilted under the pressure here? Continue reading
Inter Milan 0-2 Real Madrid: 5 Talking Points as Los Blancos earn big away win
Eden Hazard’s penalty and an Achraf Hakimi own goal just before the hour mark proved the ultimate sucker punch as Real Madrid cruised to a 2-0 win away at Inter Milan, with Zinedine Zidane’s men earning an important Champions League group B result at the San Siro. What were five talking points, as the Nerazzurri’s hopes of a last-16 UCL berth ended with a whimper?
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Barcelona, Real or Atletico: Which La Liga team has the best chance of UCL success this season?
Their fate has been decided. All three have qualified with no issues. But after Monday’s last-16 draw, which of the La Liga powerhouses has the strongest case to go all the way this season? Continue reading
Real Madrid vs Levante: Real predicted line-up, injury news, suspensions and more
Real Madrid remain unbeaten in their the new La Liga campaign, with one win and two draws. However, with a bullish Levante heading to the Bernabeu this afternoon Zinedine Zidane will demand they return to winning ways with one eye on their return to Champions League action in midweek, despite having further injury worries. Continue reading
Real Madrid 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur: 5 Talking Points
Here’s a look at five talking points, as Tottenham were deserved 1-0 winners over Real Madrid to book their place in tomorrow’s Audi Cup Final… Continue reading
Real Madrid 1-4 AFC Ajax: 5 Hits and Flops
Champions League holders Real Madrid were knocked out in stunning fashion, after a 4-1 home defeat by Ajax. Which players excelled while others faltered though?
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England 2-1 Croatia: 5 Hits and Flops
England battled hard and recovered from 1-0 down to seal their Nations League semi-final place – but who struggled while others impressed at Wembley?
World Cup 2018: 5 best players from the group stage
Since the World Cup began, it has been seen as the perfect platform for players to elevate their respective levels, attracting interest from the world’s best sides while placing their names in history forever.
Croatia 2-0 Nigeria: Player ratings as Modric and co cruise to opening victory
Croatia made light work of Nigeria with a comfortable 2-0 victory ensuring Zlatko Dalic’s side began this year’s World Cup with a much-needed win. With difficult tests to come against Argentina and Iceland to finish Group D, it was important that they got off to a positive start.
Why Real Madrid and Mateo Kovacic face big decisions
In August 2015, Real Madrid made a surprise move to sign Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic for £25 million. There wasn’t much fanfare surrounding Kovacic’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite many other European sides monitoring his progress in Italy. The Croatia international had thrived at Inter. He became a key player, racking up 97 appearances for the Nerazzurri, all before turning 21.
Kovacic turns 24 on Sunday. Despite achieving success at Madrid, he will be disappointed with his lack of playing time. He’s made 18 La Liga appearances and six more in the Champions League this season. Combined, however, it amounts to just over 1,050 first-team minutes.