Real Madrid are much closer to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after beating (1-2) Ajax in a suffered game where Solari’s men were overwhelmed in most parts of the games. Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio, with a winner in the 87th minute, gave the victory to Los Blancos. Europe loves Real Madrid.
Ajax were supposed to pressure very high, but they even surprised Los Blancos. The Dutch team choked Real Madrid in the first half. Los Blancos were unable to cross the midfield and only Sergio Ramos was able to hold the team. The captain was the best player on the pitch because Nacho or Carvajal were losing many balls, especially in the first 45 minutes. Also Casemiro and Toni Kroos were lost in the midfield, without moving the ball quickly.
As a result of this, Ajax had the most important chances in the first 45 minutes. Only Vinicius tried to beat Onana. Bale was, again, unplugged from the game. With this situation, completely suffocated, Ajax scored the goal with a header after a terrible mistake of Courtois. However, VAR showed up for the very first time in the Champions League and the goal didn’t show in the scoreboard.
At least, in the second half Los Blancos reacted. Ajax didn’t pressure that high and Modric started to have the control. Besides, Carvajal was participating in the attack. And Real Madrid found the goal thanks to Vinicius. The Brazilian eliminated his rival and then assisted to Benzema, who again scored a very important goal.
When Real Madrid had the opportunity to knock out the rival, they didn’t do it. Ajax were always in the game and the found a deserved goal after a ball lost by Lucas Vázquez. Ziyed balanced the match with the supporters thinking that a comeback could be possible. But the champions is the champions. In a counter-attack close to the end, Carvajal put a perfect ball to Asensio, who didn’t miss after some good minutes on the pitch. A very important goal for Real Madrid and for Marco Asensio, because the team needs this player.
