SAN FRANCISCO, December 09, (THEWILL) – Spanish champions Real Madrid qualified for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League with a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach that helped to ease the pressure on embattled manager Zinedine Zidane in the Spanish capital.
The prospect of an early exit loomed large over the hopes of the 13-time European champions competing for the trophy and it was billed as a must-win contest for Zidane, whose future came under intense scrutiny after last week’s loss to Shakhtar Donetsk.
Los Blancos, however, had a clear response to the critics as Madrid took the lead inside nine minutes. Defender Lucas Vazquez picked out forward Karim Benzema, who headed expertly beyond the reach of Gladbach keeper Yann Sommer.
Midfielder Florian Neuhaus set winger Alassane Plea through on goal in what should have been the equaliser but the latter clipped his finish wide of the right-hand post.
Madrid punished Gladbach for that wastefulness just after the half-hour mark. Benzema produced another header from a wicked Rodrygo cross that was too much for Sommer to keep out.
But, Sommer got his fingers on a Luka Modric volley to turn the ball onto the post and keep Madrid from going three goals up just after the interval.
Sommer was keeping Gladbach in the game as he made another terrific save to stop Toni Kroos’ strike in the 64rd minute, as Gladbach saw another chance go begging when Plea dragged a shot narrowly wide two minutes after.
In the 73rd minute, Sommer was again at full stretch to claw away Sergio Ramos’ header before Benzema’s follow-up crashed off the underside of the crossbar and away, and the woodwork again denied Madrid in the closing stages when Vazquez’s shot rebounded off the upright.
The ignominy of dropping out of the competition after 28 consecutive qualifications from the group stage would likely have left Zidane’s position untenable. As it is, his key players all produced when it mattered to send Madrid through as group winners and keep their coach in a job.
Gladbach will be disappointed here but have done superbly overall to qualify for the next round as results in the other match mean they slipped into second spot in Group B with their defeat.
The hosts next welcome Atletico Madrid to the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano for Saturday’s La Liga derby match. Gladbach are next in action at home to Hertha Berlin.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
