Real Madrid have progressed to the UEFA Champions League final with a 1-0 victory against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernebau overnight.
City were the better of the two sides in the opening clash but it was a determined Real which made their intentions clear from the opening whistle.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return boosted the side, capitalising on Vincent Kompany’s injury as Gareth Bale’s strike looped in off Fernando.
Unfortunately for the visitors, most of the match was spent on the back foot despite their desperate need of an equaliser. Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne’s influence was minimised which only aided in a lack of creativity for the Premier League side.
The final in Milan will be an all Madrid affair for the second time in three seasons with Los Galacticos looking to get another one over their crosstown rivals.
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas – 6.5: Was focused and well versed to handle the sporadic City threats.
Sergio Ramos – 7: His eyes never left Sergio Aguero and prevented him from having any impact on the match.
Pepe – 6: Solid in defence and assisted what was believed to be the second goal only to be called offside.
Daniel Carvajal – 7.5: Tore up the right-wing and made the pass to Bale for the only goal of the match.
Marcelo – 6: Looked dangerous when coming forward and dealt with the threat of Navas.
Luka Modric – 9: Sublime passing and was the puppeteer in the midfield.
Toni Kross – 5: Excellent from set pieces and made great passes in the wider areas.
Gareth Bale – 8: Once the ball was at his feet he could not be disposessed. He created Fernando’s own goal with a run and strike and missed a second opportunity to put his side in the lead.
Isco – 7: Was a hard worker on the pitch and smoothed the transition from midfield to attack.
Jese – 5: Created space but could not muster an opportunity on goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 4.5: Seemed slightly off the mark but still provided a strong presence up front.
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic – N/A: Was a late sub to wind down the clock.
James Rodriguez – 5: Missed a late opportunity to seal it.
Lucas Vasquez – 6: Replaced Jese and maintained posession well.
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