Dinamo Zagreb: Ivan Kelava, Tonel, Domagoj Vida, Luis Ibanez, Jerko Leko, Adrian Calello, Milan Bardeli, Matio Kovacic, Ivan Tomecak, Ante Rukavina, Sammir.
Real Madrid: Iker Casillas, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria.
A 10-men win over Dinamo Zagreb away from home is a good start to Madrid's continental campaign. Both teams played exceptional football and the match was of high-intensity with around 36 shots in total, Madrid shooting 2/3rd of them. 59% ball possession by the Los Blancos was a high for the team as they usually tend to have lower possession than their opponents. Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho saw the game from the stands as he has been banned from the touchline. The game started on a high note with both teams making chances but failing to convert them into goals. Ivan Kelava, Dinamo's goalkeeper, made 10 outstanding saves and had an amazing game. Marcelo, the Brazilian wing-back, was sent off after two successive yellows cards, of which one was for diving ( Brazilian wing-backs are known for this trait ).
It was a rough game as 1 red card and 3 yellow cards were shown to the players and Cristiano Ronaldo had to get stitches on his ankle after being tackled by (Jerk)o Leko. Ante Rukavina came close to getting his name on the scoresheet when he chipped the ball but it landed straight into Casillas's hands.
Although the game could have gone either way, Argentinian winger Angel Di Maria made most of his chances and grabbed a goal in the 53rd minute. A beautiful goal by the techincally gifted winger who send the ball into the top left corner.
Lots of missed chances on the catalogue is a concern for both teams who should have finished them with ease given their attacking prowess.
Verdict:
All in all, a good match with lots of shots and misses. Real Madrid should convert these chances if they want to go ahead and win the Champions League. Dinamo Zagreb on the other hand played well and keeper Ivan Kelava was their best player. He should be taken seriously as he can stop big players from scoring goals. All the best to both teams for their future group fixtures.
Final Score: Dinamo Zagreb 0-1 Real Madrid.
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