It wasn't easy, but Real Madrid managed to bring three points back home from their visit to Bulgarian territory. Los Blancos had to come back from a goal by Marcelinho, remaining as leaders of the UEFA Champions League Group B.
Carlo Ancelotti gave some rest to some players, starting Asier Illarramendi and Javier Hernandez over Toni Kroos and French striker Karim Benzema. But Real Madrid's boss wasn't expecting to fall behind after six minutes, when Marcelinho took advantage of some poor set pieces defending by Los Blancos. Five minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo missed from the penalty spot what would have been his 69th ever goal in UEFA Champions League history, after a good save by Ludogorets' keeper, Vladislav Stoyanov. This was Ronaldo's third miss from the penalty spot in this tournament.
But CR7 came back, forcing a doubtful penalty kick that he managed to transform this time. Real Madrid dominated the rest of the half, but were not able to score against a motivated Bulgarian team.
After the halftime break, and following a huge miss by Javier Hernandez, Karim Benzema substituted the Mexican player. Ten minutes after entering the pitch, Benzema struck a cross by Marcelo, stealing all hope for the Bulgarian debutants. Real Madrid will play their third UCL match against Liverpool. Cristiano Ronaldo ended the game with pains in his left ankle, manager Carlo Ancelotti stated it's nothing serious.
Benzema's goal and Cristiano's antics had an impact on fans all over the world. Read some of their reactions below:
Match-winner Karim Benzema has eight goals and six assists in his last 14 Champions League games for Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/4STaVHVeKP
— ahmedqr7 (@ahmedqr7) October 1, 2014
.@Benzema has been involved in 14 goals in his last 14 #UCL games. Eight goals, six assists for the French striker. @realmadrid
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 1, 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in 90 DIFFERENT stadiums in his career.
— Marouane Ghazal (@M_ModestBoy) October 1, 2014
Ronaldo has missed a penalty and Real Madrid trail Ludogorets. Ludicrous!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 1, 2014
ANCELOTTI: " Chicharito deserve to play today, he had a great perfomance-even though he didn't score"
— RealMadridFocus (@RMadridFocus) October 1, 2014
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