Joselu proved to be an unlikely hero for Real Madrid on Tuesday, the oft-criticised veteran striker scoring twice in the second half to seal a win for Carlo Ancelotti’s side over Union Berlin. His brace put Madrid into the lead after they went into the break 1-0 down, before Dani Ceballos’ deflected strike sealed a 3-2 win to round out a perfect Champions League group stage for Los Blancos.
Jude Bellingham had Madrid’s most apparent chance of the early goings, evading one defender before seeing his side-footed effort cleverly denied from close range. Madrid should have taken a lead on the stroke of half-time, though, when Luka Modric stepped up to take a penalty — but saw it saved by Union goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow.
Madrid were made to pay immediately, with the home side going straight down the other end of the pitch, and finding the net through Kevin Volland. The visitors’ equaliser came as little surprise, though, such was Madrid’s control of the game. Joselu provided it, rising at the back post to nod home Rodrygo’s cross.
The Spain striker found the net again after 73 minutes, meeting Fran Garcia’s delivery with a tidy header at the near post, but an 84th-minute Union equaliser from Alex Krai seemed set to force the two teams to settle for a draw.
However, Ceballos settled it late, a deflected effort dribbling into the net to secure three points.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (4/10):
Could do little about the Union opener. Almost gave a goal away with a nervy blunder. Certainly could have gotten a hand on Krai’s equaliser.
Lucas Vazquez (5/10):
Started for the second consecutive game with Carvajal injured. Offered some interesting bursts of creativity, but wasn’t always solid at the back.
Nacho (5/10):
Kept things simple. Another middling performance from a serviceable back-up.
David Alaba (4/10):
Completely mishit a clearance that handed Union an opening goal. Not been at his best, of late.
Fran Garcia (7/10):
Did well in his chance to impress. Some of his link-up play was lively, and his defensive commitment can’t be faulted. Good to get an assist, too.
Midfield
Dani Ceballos (7/10):
Handed a rare start in lieu of Kroos. Strolled around, passed the ball, didn’t lose it very much. Scored the winner. A good showing.
Luka Modric (5/10):
Really didn’t need to start, but fortunately didn’t expend too much energy. Missed a penalty. He would have been the Champions League’s oldest-ever scorer if he converted it.
Federico Valverde (6/10):
Turned in an energetic, yet ineffective 45 minutes before being removed at half-time. He deserves a rest!
Jude Bellingham (8/10):
Put in a swaggering performance from the first minute. Came close on a few occasions, and was involved in pretty much all of Madrid’s attacking play throughout.
Attack
Joselu (8/10):
Put a header narrowly over in the first half. Didn’t miss in the second — scoring twice to help Madrid to victory. A match-winning showing, out of nowhere.
Rodrygo (7/10):
Lively. Created problems, and grabbed himself yet another assist. He is in fantastic form, and has been central to Madrid’s undefeated group-stage campaign.
Subs & Manager
Toni Kroos (7/10):
Changed the game when he came on. Kept the ball moving, and helped Madrid gain control.
Antonio Rudiger (6/10):
A bit of a messy display after being brought on.
Brahim Diaz (6/10):
Offered creativity and attacking thrust after coming on.
Nico Paz (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):
Made some dubious decisions, including electing to use Bellingham, Rodrygo and Modric in a meaningless game. He will take the win, but this really wasn’t the game to rely on the big guns.
