The UEFA Champions is renowned for putting Europe’s top players against one another as they compete for honor year after year.
However, another fascinating aspect of the rivalry is the platform it provides for the underdog teams to interact with the top.
Such teams often fight against some of the competition favorites until the very end since they don’t have anything to lose. The match between Real Madrid and Union Berlin was an example of this.
Prior to their match on Wednesday, Real Madrid have only failed to score in one of their previous 68 home UCL matches. But the Berlin-based team irritated the hosts with tenacious defense and almost forced an unexpected draw in Group C.
Jude Bellingham’s last-second goal handed his team the victory in the end, giving them all three points.
The player rankings from the Merengues’ UCL debut are brought to you by Madrid Universal.
Sixth Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa was generally unbothered throughout the game since Union seldom advanced far enough to pose a goal threat. almost paid for a little diversion in the first quarter, but if called upon, delivered a strong performance.
7.5 for Lucas Vazquez
Lucas Vazquez started for Los Blancos on Wednesday night after Daniel Carvajal missed the UCL opener due to fitness issues.
He had little defensive work to do, but his sharp passes and combo play had a noticeable influence on the final third.
Against Union Berlin, Vazquez tallied over 100 passes and contributed six crucial passes.
7.5 for Antonio Rudiger
In Real Madrid’s defense against the club from his homeland, the Berlin-based star proved unbeatable. In order to play it safe and deny the visitors any opportunity in the final third, he found the proper mix between prudence and physicality.
Astonishingly performed 14 defensive moves against Santiago Bernabeu.
6.5 David Alaba
Due to the busy schedule, Ancelotti decided to start the Austrian star at left-back instead of Fran Garcia. was a strong defender, despite having little to do in that area. shifted to center defense in the second half when Garcia was replaced.
6.5 for Nacho Fernandez
The skipper played 73 minutes for Los Blancos while starting the game in the center of defense. Despite getting very little playing time, he showed confidence in both his passing and defense on the night.
8.5 for Luka Modric
Starting the game against Union Berlin, the Croatian star set the pace of play. As has been customary for him, he gave a performance that will live forever.
On the night, Modric completed five crucial passes, 95% of his attempts, and a startling five long balls. had a powerful long-range shot blocked by the goalie in the 70th minute. during the last ten minutes, came off.
Seven Aurelien Tchouameni
As he has been throughout the season, the French international was dependable at the pivot position. He was fortunate to just get a yellow card in the first half, though, for an unnecessary hazardous tackle that even the referee thought should have resulted in a red card.
Edward Camavinga: eight
Camavinga, who started in midfield, often contributed to Real Madrid’s build-up play with his aggressive forward dashes. He made four vital passes, completed almost 90% of his passes that night, and hit all of his long balls.
Judah Bellingham, age 8
The new addition had a great impact on the field, but he fell short of the lofty expectations he had set for himself after his most recent performances. mounted consistent threats in the last third and connected nicely with Modric, Kroos, and Joselu.
Despite having a generally bad day, he supported his squad when they needed him the most. pounced on Valverde’s long-range shot’s rebound to give Real Madrid another late victory.
6.5 Rodrygo
The Brazilian prodigy played little at first but became more significant as the game went on. Rodrygo did have some brilliant moments in the second half, but he never contributed as much as one may have anticipated.
The kid performed well to locate space while he was on the ball. Unfortunately, he did not get the ball often enough and was shut down by the shotstopper and Union defense.
7 Joselu
Early in the game, the veteran was in excellent scoring situations but was unable to complete his shot. A few minutes beyond the hour mark, he again had the goalie to beat, but he blew the opportunity.
The remainder of the game was more of the same. Joselu attempted over eight attempts, however he was unsuccessful in front of the net.
Replacements for Toni Kroos: 7
The German master gave Real Madrid’s midfield greater poise and skill, but it was just about insufficient that evening.
Félix Valverde: 8
After taking over for Camavinga, Valverde successfully set up the forwards to create greater danger in the final third.
gave Bellingham the opportunity and room to deposit the prize.
6 Fran Garcia
Despite being a late replacement at left back, the Spanish full-back was unable to really threaten the opposition.
Brahim Diaz: n.a
played insufficiently to get a grade.
