Real Madrid kicked off their latest Champions League defence with a comfortable 3-0 win against last term’s semi-finalists Roma.
Isco’s perfect free-kick just before the break put the hosts ahead after a dominant opening in which the Spain playmaker, international colleague Dani Carvajal and Wales forward Gareth Bale all spurned other presentable chances.
Bale made amends before the hour mark as he charged onto Croatia superstar Luka Modric’s divine pass and found the bottom corner. Substitute Mariano – wearing departed Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo’s No7 shirt – then powered in from the edge of the penalty box in injury-time to notch a stunning first goal since being bought back from Lyon last month.
Roma barely threatened in this Group G-contest at Santiago Bernabeu. Czech Republic attacker Patrik Schick blazed their best chance over during a rare second-half counter-attack.
Here are the player ratings for new head coach Julen Lopetegui’s charges:
REAL MADRID (4-3-3)
Keylor Navas – 6: Costa Rica goalkeeper had a quiet night upon his return to the XI, after losing his place to Thibaut Courtois in La Liga. Made a sharp, low save from Serbia left-back Aleksandar Kolarov just past the hour mark.
Dani Carvajal – 7: The Spain right-back provided a constant attacking presence. Really should have put hosts ahead on 18 minutes, but missed from close range.
Raphael Varane – 6: Easy as you like for the France international against the chance-starved Edin Dzeko.
Sergio Ramos – 7: Given the freedom to showcase his attacking prowess. Was one of several players to force a save from outstanding Sweden No1.
Luka Modric – 8: The UEFA Player of the Year was a delight to behold. Played Isco through in a tight spot for Madrid’s earliest chance and then conjured a pass of rare aplomb to send Bale into the clear for his goal.
Casemiro – 6: The Brazil holder was back in the starting side after missing out on the weekend’s 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao. Snubbed out any Roma threats at the source.
Toni Kroos – 7: Understated brilliance from the Germany centre midfielder, who has started this season far better than the last one.
Gareth Bale – 7: The Wales forward’s goal exemplified his many qualities. Anticipated Modric’s cutting pass, burned past Roma’s high defensive line to reach the ball and then punishingly found the bottom corner. That’s now five goals in six games this term for Ronaldo’s replacement.
Karim Benzema – 6: The revitalised ex-France striker was taken off in the second half, but this was no reflection on his display. Is revelling in this more-fluid Madrid of new head coach Julen Lopetegui.
Isco – 8: His free-kick just before the interval dipped delightfully into Olsen’s goal. Really should have put Madrid ahead on eight minutes, but chance was smothered by the on-rushing Olsen. Popped up on the flank and through the middle, constantly evading his Roma markers. Inheriting set-piece duties from Ronaldo is working out well.
4 - Real Madrid players with the most direct free-kick attempts and goals in 2018 (all comps):
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 19, 2018
1 - Cristiano Ronaldo: 9/0
2 - Gareth Bale: 6/0
3 - Marco Asensio: 5/0
4 - ISCO ALARCON: 4/2
Silk. pic.twitter.com/qjRC6uvATb
SUBSTITUTES
Marco Asensio – 7: Denied a world-class goal by a world-class save by Olsen. His pirouette took out two Roma defenders in the penalty box, only for his no-look shot to be blocked by the goalkeeper’s legs.
Mariano – 7: What a goal. Striker cut inside from 20 yards and rifled a curled effort into the top corner.
Dani Ceballos – N/A: New Spain midfielder was given little time to impress.
