Result: Real Madrid 2-0 Borussia Monchengladbach
Date: 09 December 2020
Venue: Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano
Real Madrid qualified for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday evening.
Madrid took an early lead in the ninth minute. After regaining possession in the centre of the park, Lucas Vazquez advanced down the right flank. The full-back floated an inviting cross towards the penalty spot, and Karim Benzema rose highest to nod it into the top-left corner and beyond Yann Sommer.
Marcus Thuram looked for an immediate response, although his right-footed shot from the left side of the box was straight at Thibault Courtois.
The visitors had a big chance in the 24th minute. Florian Neuhaus found a yard of space in the centre of the park and slid a throughball beyond the Madrid defence for Alassane Plea to chase. The Frenchman latched onto the pass but, when one-on-one with Courtois, dinked his effort from the middle of the box wide of the far post.
Madrid doubled their lead on the half-hour mark. Some clever link-up play resulted in Rodrygo advancing down the right wing. The winger curled an inch-perfect cross into the box, which Benzema steered beyond Sommer from close range.
Soon after, Vazquez set Rodrygo away down the right flank, and the Brazilian picked out Luka Modric in the centre of the box. The Croatian opted to take the shot on first time, and lashed it against the woodwork.
Los Blancos had started the second half confidently. Much like the first half, Zidane's team were looking to advance down the right flank through Vazquez. The full-back's cross was met by Benzema in the centre of the box, but the Frenchman's header was well saved down low to his left by Sommer.
The hosts were looking very comfortable as the match entered the latter stages. Vasquez rattled the post after being played in by Benzema as Madrid somehow failed to add to their lead despite creating a whole host of opportunities.
