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In a brilliant result for English football, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the UEFA Champions League, at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. A much-hyped clash between the two in-form sides turned out to be exactly as predicted, with both sides creating ample chances, but at the end, honours had to be shared.
Also read: Real Madrid vs Tottenham, 5 Talking Points
Spurs opened the scoring, courtesy of a Raphael Varane own goal, with the defender failing to clear his lines from a Serge Aurier cross. Madrid levelled through Cristiano Ronaldo (Who else!) as the hosts received a penalty two minutes before the break.
The second half saw Real Madrid dominate, but the best chances fell to Spurs' attackers. Without any further ado, let's take a closer look at how each player fared in the 1-1 draw between Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur:
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas: 6.5/10
The custodian had no chance to save the own goal but made a couple of brilliant saves to earn his side a point. Navas' one on one save against Harry Kane was his best of the night.
Achraf Hakimi: 6.5/10
The young fullback had his hands full in defence with Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen attacking with aplomb from his flank. But going forward, Achraf was sensational with a couple of his crosses testing the Spurs backline.
Sergio Ramos: 6/10
It was an imposing performance from the Real Madrid captain, who never let the occasion get the better of him. However, during some of Spurs' counter attacks, Ramos looked out of position and under pressure dealing with those attacks.
Raphael Varane: 5/10
The centre-back scored an unfortunate own goal but it was a result of him being dominated by Harry Kane for the majority of the match. He was quick to react to situations and was strong in his tackles, otherwise.
Marcelo: 5/10
The Brazilian looked second best in front of Serge Aurier in the first half and was badly out of position for the Spurs goal. He was pinned back for most of the time and could not help out his team going forward.
Casemiro: 5.5/10
The defensive midfielder had too many bodies to handle in the first half as Real Madrid struggled against the Spurs counter attacks in the first half. He was also lucky not to give away a penalty with a rash challenge in the box against Llorente.
Toni Kroos: 7/10
The German was calm in possession and made a great run into the box to draw a foul and win a penalty for his side.
Luka Modric: 8/10
The little genius was the best midfielder on the field. He set the tempo for Real Madrid and looked unstoppable at times. He also delivered some stunning passes and showed great work ethic. Modric also made three tackles in the game.
Isco: 7.5/10
The Spaniard looked assured with a ball at his feet with the Bernabeu faithful singing his name on numerous occasions. Isco tested Lloris twice but could not get the better of him. Also, the playmaker took set pieces after Toni Kroos fluffed his deliveries on more than one occasion.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 7/10
Ronaldo was marked heavily by the Spurs defence and looked frustrated at times. He struck the post once from a glancing header but scored his penalty with his usual swagger. The Portuguese also earned an unnecessary booking in the first half, but looked sharp for the entirety of the match.
Karim Benzema: 5.5/10
The striker's link-up play was as usual at its best but Benzema failed to do the first and foremost job that a striker has to do - convert chances. The Frenchman had two glorious chances to win the game for Real Madrid but he missed them both; both of those chances being absolute sitters.
Substitutions:
Marco Asensio: 5/10
Replacing Benzema, Marco Asensio offered little to the Madrid side and proved Zidane's decision right to start the game with Isco.
Lucas Vazquez: 6/10
Brought on to man-mark Danny Rose, Vazquez did his job well in the few minutes that he was on the field.
Tottenham Hotspur
Hugo Lloris: 9/10
Man of the match performance! Lloris made a string of stunning saves, with the one against Benzema being a contender for the save of the season. Real Madrid are looking to sign a keeper next summer and if this was an audition, the Frenchman passed it with flying colours.
Serge Aurier: 6.5/10
The Ivorian was brilliant going forward and it was his cross that earned a goal for his side. He dominated Marcelo from the word go but he harried in his challenge on Toni Kroos which led to Real Madrid's penalty.
Toby Alderweireld: 7.5/10
Being one of Premier League's best, Alderweireld needed a big performance against the world's best and he did just what the doctor ordered. Blocks, interceptions and clearances; the Belgian did everything with conviction.
Davinson Sanchez: 7/10
The youngster never looked nervous and it was his composure which caught the eye in this match. A brilliant start to life at London for the young Dutchman.
Eric Dier: 7/10
Playing at the heart of a three-man defensive line, Dier was calm at the back and seldom looked like playing out of position.
Jan Vertonghen: 6.5/10
The Belgian was effective in defence but never got the chance to surge forward. He had his hands full against the Madrid forwards but looked assured in handling the pressure.
Harry Winks: 8.5/10
Pochettino has been crucial in developing many English players during his time in the Premier League, and going by the first few impressions, Harry Winks is the next big player to make his mark for club and country. Winks was effective in midfield and kept the play ticking at all times. A treat to watch!
Christian Eriksen: 5.5/10
Playing a bit deeper, Eriksen had a rare off day for Spurs. His passing was below par and his decision making was even worse. The Dane had a great chance in the 73rd minute, but Navas made a good stop to nullify his shot.
Moussa Sissoko: 6.5/10
The much-criticized Sissoko handled the pressure of playing against Madrid pretty well and showed his physical side in this match. He was average in possession but marked his man well and almost negated the threat of Marcelo.
Fernando Llorente: 7/10
A surprise starter, Llorente worked hard for his side. His link-up play was decent and he also could have had a penalty in the second half. The former Swansea man also created a number of chances to split the Madrid defence.
Harry Kane: 7.5/10
It was his presence which led to the Varane own goal. Kane threatened the Madrid backline to great lengths and could have scored the winner too. 9/10 times Kane could have scored that one-on-one chance but it wasn't meant to be on this occasion. Madrid will be wary of him in the second leg at Wembley!
Substitutions:
Danny Rose: 6/10
Rose replaced Llorente and played in a defensive midfielder role for the last 10 minutes. Most importantly, the fullback made his much-awaited return from injury.
Heung-Min Son: N/A
Son came in for Sissoko on the verge stoppage time, and did not have enough time to make an impact.
