Logo en.madrid-barcelona.com
En.madrid-barcelona.com en Español
Logo Facebook
soccer player celebrating with excitement while holding his jersey in a stadium.

Real Madrid 5 - Dortmund 2: the Five Keys to Victory in the Champions League

A pitiful first half, followed by a comeback. Five goals in half an hour and a hat trick from an excellent Vinícius

1.-Again, Lack of Intensity at the Beginning

This is a trend that has been repeated throughout the season. Against inferior rivals, it can happen. But in the big events, Real Madrid can't come out asleep.

Apathetic, lacking intensity, lacking pressure. Ancelotti's players once again came out to play listlessly. They allowed their opponents to think, pass the ball around calmly and create offensive plays that became goals. Borussia Dortmund played too comfortably. That's why the Germans were leading 0-2 by half-time.

A soccer goalkeeper kneeling on the field while a player from the opposing team runs towards the ball.
Real Madrid's first half was one to forget: 0-2 | Getty Images

2.-Vinícius: Ballon D'Or

During the first half, he was nowhere to be seen. Like Mbappé or Bellingham, he was infected by the general lethargy of the team. In the second half, however, Vinícius rose like a phoenix and led Real Madrid to victory.

Vinícius's second half was simply memorable. He scored the equaliser, 2-2 and 2-4 and 2-5. A historic hat-trick, with goals for all tastes and masterful actions that guaranteed him the Ballon d'Or, in case there were any doubts left.

Two Real Madrid soccer players celebrate a goal in a stadium full of spectators.
Vinícius is on a roll for the Ballon d'Or: three great goals against Dortmund | Getty Images

3.-Uncertainty on the Right Back and the Defense

Lucas Vázquez was responsible for both of Germany's goals. In the first one, he lost a ball that he couldn't afford to lose. In the second one, he arrived huffing and puffing and was outpaced by his opponent.

He then made up for it with his goal, putting Real Madrid ahead. But Lucas Vázquez doesn't offer Carvajal's defensive solvency.

The rest of the defense didn't offer a feeling of security, either, especially during the first half. They gave too many opportunities to the German forwards then.

4.- What about Mbappé and Bellingham?

Neither Mbappé nor Bellingham joined the party. They worked very hard, but didn't actively participate in Real Madrid's comeback.

Mbappé missed his goal and Bellingham has now played one more game without scoring: eleven so far this season.

Real Madrid needs to bring Mbappé into the celebrations and regain the offensive power of Bellingham, who sent a ball against the post today.

A Real Madrid soccer player on the field with the ball under his foot.
Mbappé experienced his first great comeback, but he missed his goal. | Getty Images

5.- Modric is Still at Top Level

Luka Modric has shown that he can be trusted and that his judgement can be relied upon. At 39, he completely exhausted himself and had to be replaced by Camavinga, as expected.

But he held his own against Real Madrid when his teammates were at their biggest disadvantage.

Data Sheet

Real Madrid: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Militão, Rüdiger, Mendy; Modric (Camavinga 70'), Valverde, Bellingham; Vinícius, Rodrygo (Tchouaméni 84') and Mbappé

Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Ryerson (Can 75'), Süle, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Nmecha, Sabitzer; Gittens (Anton 54'), Brandt, Malen; Guirassy

Goals : 0-1 Malen (29'), 0-2 Gittens (33'), 1-2 Rudiger (59') 2-2 Vinícius (61'), 3-2 Lucas (82'), 4-2 Vinícius (85'), 5-2 Vinícius (92')

Referee: István Kovács. He took out a yellow card to Vinícius

Stadium : Santiago Bernabéu.