Dortmund's Schürrle denies Madrid at the last
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Article summary
André Schürrle's late equaliser denied Real Madrid victory at Borussia Dortmund after Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphaël Varane had struck either side of Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang's goal.
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The spoils were shared as Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid drew 2-2 in an entertaining Group F encounter.
Dortmund looked to take the game to their visitors, only for a speedy Madrid counterattack to end in Cristiano Ronaldo's 95th UEFA Champions League goal.
Madrid seemed comfortable and content to sit back, until Keylor Navas's inability to hold a free-kick gave Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang the chance to force in an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.
Raphaël Varane was the quickest to react after Karim Benzema's volley rebounded off the post to restore Madrid's lead after the break. Just as victory appeared secure, however, André Schürrle's late thunderbolt ensured a draw for his side.
Key player: Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang (Dortmund)
The Gabonese forward was a constant thorn in the Merengues' back line with his tireless running and constant pressing. He showed his predatory instincts as he was in the right place at the right time to make it 1-1, while his presence in the box afforded Schürrle the room to score the late equaliser.
Dortmund's test of maturity
Borussia Dortmund have dazzled the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League, but tonight's match had been billed as a "test of maturity" for their young guns and, indeed, what better test can there be than playing the European champions? Given they were able to come back twice from being one down against probably the most dangerous counterattacking side in the world, they passed that test. Dortmund were able to play their usual game, created several opportunities and preserved their impressive home record of never having lost to Madrid here.
Zidane's plan almost works to perfection
As assistant to Carlo Ancelotti, Zinédine Zidane was on the bench in 2014 when Madrid produced a counterattacking masterclass to defeat Bayern München 4-0 and the Frenchman took a leaf out of his former boss's book. With Dortmund keen to take the game to the visitors, Madrid sat back and sought to get in behind the high defensive line. A lightning counter led to Ronaldo's opener, while his decision to play the speedy Varane in defence paid dividends at the other end as got the second. Schürrle's late strike meant the points were shared, however the game plan employed by Zidane was mightily effective.
Reporters' views
Steffen Potter, Dortmund (@UEFAcomSteffenP)
Depending on what point of view you take, Madrid's 'mini-crisis' continues with a third draw in a row, though there is surely no shame in drawing away to a Dortmund outfit who once more delivered a fine attacking display and can take assurance from the fact their approach works even against one of the biggest teams in Europe. Wayward finishing prevented Thomas Tuchel's side picking up three points. If they can continue to perform like this and reward themselves with goals, they and Madrid should be the two clubs making it out of this group.
Joe Walker, Madrid (@UEFAcomJoeW)
Madrid were two without a win going into what many considered their most difficult group fixture, but they inevitably rose to the occasion. At times they had Dortmund rattled, playing them at their own game with pace on the counter and a suffocating high press in what was the consummate European away showing – until late on.
