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
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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Real Madrid extended their La Liga lead to seven points with a gritty 1-0 away win over Athletic Bilbao, courtesy of Sergio Ramos’ second-half penalty. Which players impressed, while others struggled at San Mames in the day’s early kick-off? Continue reading
Real Madrid were made to work hard, but ultimately came through unscathed with an important 3-0 home victory over Valencia on Thursday evening. Who excelled, while others wilted under pressure at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium? Continue reading
Real Madrid went top of La Liga overnight with an important 1-0 away win over Valladolid, courtesy of Nacho Fernandez’s second-half header – but what were three reasons for their latest win, as they extended their unbeaten run to 19? Continue reading
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 have all but secured their place in the Champions League last-16 after a dominant 6-0 win over Turkish giants Galatasaray at the Bernabeu. Rodrgyo’s early double and a Sergio Ramos penalty saw Los Blancos race into a three-goal advantage after the first 15 minutes, allowing them to control the game with ease.
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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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Barcelona ran riot with an emphatic 5-1 win over their fierce rivals Real Madrid, during an unpredictable El Clasico on Sunday afternoon. Continue reading
Antoine Griezmann’s timely second-half brace ensured France managed to recover a one-goal deficit to secure all three points during their UEFA Nations League fixture against Germany, leaving Die Mannschaft on the verge of a surprise relegation into League B. Continue reading
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.
Cristiano Ronaldo netted a brace, including a fantastic bicycle kick finish to help fire Real Madrid ever closer towards this season’s Champions League semi-finals after a 3-0 away victory in Turin over ten-man Juventus.
