Real Madrid finally got their first win in the UEFA Champions League this season at the third time of asking after seeing off Galatasaray 1-0 with Toni Kroos getting the all-important goal.
Looking to win their first Champions League game this season, Real Madrid started on the front foot with one eye on a precious early lead. Galatasaray who lost their last Champions League game at home this season to Paris Saint-Germain were looking to make amends.
Kroos goal
Madrid’s pressure finally paid off in the 18th minute when Eden Hazard played a one-two with Benzema and got the ball back in the area and looked in a good position to beat Muslera, but looked up to find Kroos in space as the German fired a deflected effort into the corner from just inside the area as Madrid went into the half time break leading.
Galatasaray came back into the closing half a much-chanced side and threatened to pull level in the early minutes of the second half but Madrid stood strong. It was Madrid however that had the best chance of the second half which came in the 64th minute.
Hazard chance
Hazard was in space on the right and looked certain to score after rounding Muslera, but the Belgian smashed his effort against the bar. Marcelo’s shot from the other side was then saved by the Uruguayan goalkeeper to avert the danger.
Next assignments
With their El Clasico clash against Barcelona postponed, Real Madrid will have to wait until Wednesday 30th October to face Leganes while Galatasaray travel to face Beşiktaş on Sunday 27th October.
Line ups
Galatasaray XI: Muslera, Mariano, Luyindama, Marcao, Nagatomo, Donk, Nzonzi, Seri, Belhanda, Andone, Babel
Subs: Ozbayrakli, Buyuk, Inan, Omar Bayram, Kocuk, Feghouli, Mor
Real XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Casemiro, Valverde, Rodrygo, Benzema, Hazard
Subs: Areola, Eder Militao, Rodriguez, Jovic, Isco, Mendy, Vinicius Junior
Source: UEFA
