Real Madrid emerged as 3-1 victors in a hectic match against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park. Gareth Bale scored the opening goal with a fine volley, before Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the lead early in the second half on his 150th appearance in European competition. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled a goal back for the hosts, but Ronaldo struck again with just over 10 minutes remaining to place Madrid in a strong position at the summit of Group H.
Positives
This could be the match that ignites Bale's season. The Welshman has flickered in recent weeks, but beneath the fluttering flags of the "Yellow Wall," he burst to life with a goal and an assist.
Nacho demonstrated that he can deputise at full-back just as well as in the heart of defence. He has already cultivated a reputation as a dependable defender, and is now showing that he can contribute in attack as well.
The Borussia Dortmund fans turned the volume up to 11 when Aubameyang poked the ball in to the net. In that atmosphere, Real Madrid showed mental strength to regain control of the match and go on to extend their lead.
Negatives
Madrid secured their first ever victory at Signal Iduna Park, having previously lost three matches and drawn three matches. And it was a comfortable, well-executed victory, too. As such, it feels like nitpickery to identify any serious negatives.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Zinedine Zidane benefitted from the fact that Borussia Dortmund's approach occupied a space somewhere between adventurous and reckless. Peter Bosz's players pressed high up the pitch, which left space behind the defence for Bale, Ronaldo, and Isco to exploit. Yet Madrid were clearly well-drilled in how to circumnavigate the gegenpress and break quickly, and Zidane deserves praise for that.
Player ratings: (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Keylor Navas, 6 -- The Costa Rica international had a surprisingly quiet night, given the frenetic nature of the match. He made three routine saves, and had no chance of preventing the Dortmund goal.
DF Dani Carvajal, 8 -- The 25-year-old has played every minute of every match for Real Madrid this season, yet he showed no signs of fatigue in this swashbuckling performance. Almost opened the scoring after 10 minutes, and then turned provider to Bale.
DF Raphael Varane, 7 -- An assured supplement to Sergio Ramos's more extravagant brand of defending. Prevented Aubameyang scoring in the first minute of the second half with a hamstring-stretching clearance in the six-yard box.
DF Sergio Ramos, 7 -- Lucky to avoid giving away a penalty in the early stages for handball. Thereafter, he diligently marshalled the tricky Aubameyang.
DF Nacho, 7 -- Made six tackles, including one crucial intervention as Mario Götze was poised to shoot. For a right-footed centre-half playing at left-back, his attacking contribution was also impressive. He did not maintain as advanced a position as Carvajal on the opposite flank, but still provided width and the occasional lung-busting overlap.
MF Casemiro, 6 -- As effective as ever in his "defensive janitor" role, clearing up for his teammates. Less impressive with the ball at his feet, as he twice gifted possession to Dortmund in dangerous areas.
MF Luka Modric, 7 -- A key link between defence and attack as Madrid sought to nullify Dortmund's intense press by passing quickly through the thirds of the pitch. His well-executed assist for Cristiano Ronaldo's second goal demonstrates that. Picked up a petulant yellow card for tampering with the wall at a free kick.
AP Photo/Michael Probst
MF Toni Kroos, 7 -- Understated, sturdy, yet very, very good. Kroos stepped up his return from injury with an intelligent performance, which was key to Madrid winning the tactical battle. His delivery from set-pieces was consistently devilish, and his incisive pass freed Gareth Bale to set up the second goal.
MF Isco, 7 -- Showed flashes of the caramel-coated, easy-on-the-eye football that endears him so much to Madridistas. As with most of his performances since signing a new contract, he was good yet unspectacular.
FW Gareth Bale, 8 -- "Golazooooo," roared the Spanish commentator as his shot found the top corner. This could be the match that really inflates Bale with confidence. Scored a delightfully-controlled volley, crossed for Ronaldo's first goal, and dragged the Dortmund defence all over the pitch to create space for others. His best performance of the season so far.
FW Cristiano Ronaldo, 8 -- Scored his 410th and 411th goals for Real Madrid on his 400th appearance. The Portuguese touched the ball just 43 times (only Bale, Varane, and Navas had fewer touches), but still affected the game immensely. That is indicative of his conversion to a penalty-box poacher.
Substitutes
FW Marco Asensio, N/R -- Came on with 15 minutes remaining and would have scored after a burst through the middle had a heavy touch not allowed the keeper to dash off his line and block.
FW Lucas Vazquez, N/R -- Zidane's very own "Energizer Bunny" replaced Bale, who was beginning to seize up with cramp.
MF Dani Ceballos, N/R -- Relieved Modric of his midfield duties as the match edged into extra time.
Source: espn.co.uk