REAL MADRID and Inter Milan played out a superb Champions League clash with Rodrygo netting a late winner.
- Final score: Real Madrid 3-2 Inter Milan
Follow ALL the reaction with our blog below…
GOODNIGHT FROM SPAIN
Before this encounter, both Real Madrid and Inter Milan referred to this evening as a cup final, and that’s how it played out.
Both clubs may be a shadow of their former glories, but together they produced a night of frenzied, attacking football with plenty of mistakes and the odd moments of brilliance.
It was Real Madrid who ended the game victorious, thanks to a goal off the bench from Rodrygo, ably assisted by his fellow substitute Vinicius Junior.
Stopping a run of four Champions League matches without a win, it also moved the La Liga side into third spot in Group B, a point behind leaders Borussia Monchengladbach.
Inter depart Spain rooted to the bottom, but it could have been so different had they kept their cool after pulling level.
Two goals down inside 33 minutes, the Nerazzurri had rallied to draw level through Lautaro Martinez – wonderfully set up by Nicolo Barella’s audacious backheel – and Ivan Perisic, only to throw the game away again in the final stages.
Instead, Los Blancos took the points and plaudits, ending the night with the same delight with which it had begun as goals from Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos set them on their way.
The final word should be for Ramos. The Real Madrid captain knows all about lifting the Champions League trophy, and tonight scored his 100th goal for his club. An absolutely astonishing feat for a centre-back.
These European heavyweights will do it all again in three weeks’ time at the San Siro. Expect more fireworks.
Until then, thanks for reading and goodnight.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
As we wind down from a frantic night of football at the Alfredo Di Stefano, why not relive the action with Joshua Jones’ match report, hot off the press.
BARELLA’S BACKHEEL BRILLIANCE
Real Madrid may have taken the points but there’s no doubting the best moment of the game, if not the night.
Moments after Inter had fallen behind, Nicolo Barella produced an exquisite backheeled flick to set up Lautaro Martinez to score.
An outrageous piece of skill from the Italian, expertly finished off by his teammate.
CASEMIRO IN THE MIDDLE
With Luka Modric approaching the end of his career at the Bernabeu, Casemiro appears to be the man stepping up to to boss the Real Madrid midfield.
The Brazilian was dominant tonight, protecting his backline when defending and dictating tempo in possession.
Here’s his heatmap.
21ST CENTURY BOY
Rodrygo has been busy building a reputation for himself in the Champions League.
FINE MARGINS
There was just one goal difference between the two sides in Madrid, and there was little to separate them elsewhere.
RODRYGO RESCUES REAL
The Brazilian teenager had been on the pitch for just 16 minutes when he fired home to restore Real Madrid’s lead and earn them a precious victory at the Alfredo Di Stefano.
LOS BLANCOS B-LIEVE
Victory puts Real Madrid back in contention for the top spot in Group B, a point behind leaders Borussia Monchengladbach and level with Shakhtar Donetsk.
With Real Madrid to come next in Milan, Inter have it all to do at the bottom, but all four sides are in with a shot of qualification.
FT: REAL MADRID 3-2 INTER
Five goals on a frenzied night in the Spanish capital ends in victory for Real Madrid.
Substitute Rodrygo was the match-winner, netting off the bench after Ivan Perisic and Nicolo Barella had cancelled out the home side’s 2-0 lead given to them by Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
THAT’S IT IN MADRID!
REAL MADRID 3-2 INTER
90+3. A brilliant stop by Handanovic at the near post denies Benzema.
There will be no goal for the the French striker, but that should be enough for his side to claim all three points in Group B.
REAL MADRID 3-2 INTER
90+2. A yellow card for Courtois after the goalkeeper chose the second minute of stoppage time to do some lengthy cleaning of his studs on the post.
REAL MADRID 3-2 INTER
90+1. Inter keep the ball as they try to carve out one last opportunity.
For perhaps the first time this evening, Madrid are holding their shape really well.
REAL MADRID 3-2 INTER
90. Modric settles down his teammates with some level-headed possession play.
There will be three minutes of added time for Madrid to see out.
REAL MADRID 3-2 INTER
88. Brozovic takes aim from outside the area, but is denied by a brilliant block by Casemiro.
Madrid are holding firm, but this is not over yet.
REAL MADRID 3-2 INTER
86. Alexis Sanchez stands over a free-kick 25 yards from the Real Madrid goal.
Will this be the Alexis Sanchez of old? The Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal.
No, it’s the Alexis Sanchez of Manchester United, and he tamely lifts his shot into the defensive wall.
REAL MADRID 3-2 INTER
84. It’s all happening in Madrid!
There are Inter shouts for a penalty at one end as the ball bounced up off the arm of Rodrygo; replays show that it was accidental and just outside the box.
Second later, down the other end, Benzema has the simplest of opportunities to roll in at the far post but gets his stance wrong and almost stands on the ball when it looked easier to score.
80. What a double substitution from Zinedine Zidane!
One of Real’s newcomers, Vinicius Junior burst down the left flank and sent a low delivery across the 18-yard-box to Rodrygo.
The home side’s other substitute, took one touch to steady himself before firing high into the roof of the net.
Madrid lead again on this topsy-turvy night!
REAL MADRID 3-2 Inter
GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL!!
RODRYGO RESTORES REAL’S LEAD!!
REAL MADRID 2-2 INTER
78. A double change for Inter.
Ivan Perisic has run himself into the ground and makes way for Alexis Sanchez.
Also on is Roberto Gagliardini for Nicolo Barella.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid bring on Luka Modric for Toni Kroos.
REAL MADRID 2-2 INTER
76. Madrid feel they need a win, but Inter are looking the more likely.
A terrible headed from Mendy allows Martinez to steal in and shoot, but the Argentine is off target.
Moments later, Perisic bursts into the box, but angles his effort wide of the far post.
REAL MADRID 2-2 INTER
72. Another minute, another yellow card.
Nicolo Barella is booked for bringing down Vinicius Junior.
REAL MADRID 2-2 INTER
71. This contest shows no sign of slowing up.
Kroos attempts to restore Madrid’s lead, only to shoot straight at Handanovic from just inside the box.
68. Just like Saturday, Inter have pulled themselves level from 2-0 down.
The game had opened up considerably, a fourth goal looked imminent, and it’s the Italians who have it.
After a Madrid move broke down, Lautaro Martínez headed through for Ivan Perisic, and the Croatian kept calm to trundle a shot beyond Thibaut Courtois.
Either side could win this one now.
Real Madrid 2-2 INTER
GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!
IVAN PERISIC EQUALISES!!
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
