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Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid: 2016 Champions League Match Score, Reaction
- Updated: September 27, 2016
Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Westfalenstadion on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, with Andre Schurrle salvaging a point late on for the hosts.
After some early Dortmund pressure, Cristiano Ronaldo added the final flourish to a fine counter-attack in the 17th minute to put the visitors ahead. But Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang capitalised on an error from goalkeeper Keylor Navas to level things before the interval.
In the second period, Madrid grabbed control of a breathless contest and took a deserved lead through centre-back Raphael Varane. However, Dortmund rallied, and substitute Schurrle pounced three minutes from time to make it 2-2.
Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane made some big calls in his starting line-up, with first choice stopper Navas making his return to the XI after injury. ESPN FC’s Dermot Corrigan suggested it was a risky decision:
First playing time of any kind for Keylor Navas since he had heel operation in early June. In pretty huge game.
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) September 27, 2016
If Zidane was sure Keylor was going to play tonight, surely it would have made more sense to give him 90 mins at Las Palmas on Sunday?
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) September 27, 2016
With so many attacking stars on show, this contest was never likely to start slowly. And both Ronaldo and Gonzalo Castro forced saves from the goalkeepers with stinging free-kicks early on.
Dortmund set the tempo in the nascent stages, as they pinned Madrid back without finding the final pass in the opening 15 minutes. They were left to lament some poor choices in the final third, though.
Indeed, Madrid showed their potency on the counter-attack with a wonderful break, as Ronaldo eventually hammered home his 98th goal in European competition from close range after Gareth Bale’s deflected backheel fell kindly for him. Per OptaJose, the Portuguese loves playing at the Westfalenstadion:
3 – Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in his three away games against Borussia Dortmund in #UCL (three goals). …
