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A late goal by Brazilian forward Rodrygo propelled Real Madrid to an important victory against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League earlier today. Both Real Madrid and Inter Milan have been underwhelming on the European front this season and this result is likely to play a crucial role in the context of the competition.
Real Madrid managed only one point from their first two Champions League games against Borussia Moenchengladbach and Shakhtar Donetsk. This victory takes Los Blancos to four points in their group and greatly improves their chances of qualifying for the knock-out stages of the competition.
Real Madrid and Inter Milan created several chances win the opening half-hour, with Lautaro Martinez and Federico Valverde failing to find the back of the net from excellent positions in the penalty area. Real Madrid took the lead in the first half after a shocking pass from Achraf Hakimi allowed Karim Benzema to score the first goal of the game.
Real Madrid grew in confidence after their goal and Sergio Ramos doubled his side's lead minutes later with a well-directed header. Inter Milan pulled a goal back against the run of play towards the end of the first half after an excellent flick from Nicolo Barella allowed Lautaro Martinez to score Inter Milan's first goal.
Inter Milan started the second half with a renewed sense of purpose and drove forward in search of an equaliser. The Italian side's efforts finally bore fruit, with Ivan Perisic perfecting his angles to level the scores against Real Madrid.
Real Madrid refused to let the goal dampen their spirits, however, as Zidane's Brazilian substitutes Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo combined to hand Los Blancos the crucial winning goal. Real Madrid's victory against Inter Milan was a result of several positive performances across the pitch from Zinedine Zidane's men.
Also check out: Complete Champions League Schedule 2020/21
#5 Hit - Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Zinedine Zidane has been subjected to a lot of criticism over the past few weeks due to some of his managerial decisions at Real Madrid. Against Inter Milan, however, the French manager hit the nail on the head.
The Real Madrid manager decided to bring Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo on to the pitch after the hour-mark to search for a winning goal. Rodrygo has an excellent scoring record in the UEFA Champions League and added to his tally in the second half.
Real Madrid needed a goal in the second half to keep their European dreams alive and Rodrygo's goal has singlehandedly given his side plenty of impetus in the competition this season.
#4 Flop - Achraf Hakimi (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan full-back Achraf Hakimi had a night to forget against Real Madrid and struggled to make an impact on the right flank. The former Real Madrid defender was involved in an intense battle with Ferland Mendy and while he did have his moments, the Moroccan star was largely disappointing for Inter Milan.
The right-back was solely at fault for Real Madrid's first goal of the game and handed former teammate Karim Benzema the ball on a silver platter. Hakimi got into several excellent positions in the first half but was inaccurate with his crossing.
Hakimi was caught out of position for Real Madrid's third goal and was uncharacteristically ineffective in the wide areas of the pitch. The defender needs to take it up a notch for Inter Milan and has a point to prove to Antonio Conte.
Also check out: Complete Champions League Results and live Scores 2020/21
#3 Hit - Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Sergio Ramos was one of Real Madrid's best defenders on the night and did his part to keep Inter Milan's forwards at bay. The Spanish centre-back did face a few problems against Lautaro Martinez but held his own admirably and will be happy with his defensive performance.
The Real Madrid captain seems to step up to the plate for his side with astonishing consistency and his goal in the first half changed the complexion of the game and forced Inter Milan on to the back foot. Sergio Ramos scored his 100th goal for Real Madrid tonight and continues to grow from strength to strength at the club.
With Raphael Varane enduring a shaky run of form at the moment, Sergio Ramos will have to bring his best self this season to make up for Real Madrid's fragility in the defensive half of the pitch. Real Madrid's modern-day stalwart was excellent against Inter Milan and will want to maintain these standards for the rest of the season.
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#2 Flop - Arturo Vidal (Inter Milan)
Arturo Vidal's decline as a midfielder has been well-documented this year and the Chilean did himself now favours with a dismal performance against Real Madrid. The Inter Milan midfielder misplaced an astonishing number of passes in the match and did not do his pre-game words any justice with his performance.
The former Barcelona star was outclassed by Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos in the midfield and spent most of the game chasing the ball. Vidal committed several fouls in the first half and eventually found himself in the referee's books.
Arturo Vidal also failed to perform his primary role in Antonio Conte's Inter Milan outfit and did not provide much of a connection between the midfield and the forward line. The tenacious midfielder will have to improve his game to remain a regular fixture in the Italian side this season.
#1 Hit - Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Karim Benzema has become Real Madrid's undisputed talisman this year and his opportunistic talents came to the fore in the first half against Inter Milan. The French forward pounced on a misguided pass by Achraf Hakimi and displayed exceptional composure to score Real Madrid's first goal.
The opening goal of the game forced Inter Milan to rethink their plans against Real Madrid and afforded the home side plenty of breathing space for the rest of the game. Benzema was often in the right place at the right time and was able to create several chances for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman is a crucial component of Real Madrid's link-up play and his movement gave Inter Milan several problems to resolve on the pitch. Benzema also dropped into a deeper role as the game progressed and added an element of control to his side's midfield.
Also check out: Updated Champions League Standings 2020/21
