Real Madrid won 3-2 over Union Berlin on Tuesday to finish the Champions League group stage undefeated.
Kevin Volland scored in the first half for the hosts, but two Joselu goals after halftime seemed to settle the game before a chaotic last five minutes left fans unclear of the outcome.
Alex Kral’s long-range shot with five minutes left appeared to have scored a famous point for the hosts, but Dani Ceballos’ deflected effort clinched all three points.
What happened in the game
To justify his return, Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Kevin Behrens’ near-point-blank shot in the first minute. Nacho Fernandez had to clear the line seconds later, but the play was called offside.
Jude Bellingham nearly opened the scoring with some nice box play. Both teams sent everything forward in quest of the opener, and Joselu hit the crossbar with a header after the Englishman swung his shot out.
Madrid grabbed control and had over 80% possession before halftime, but Union defended deep as the visitors struggled to create chances.
Joselu nearly scored following Robin Gosens’s clumsy back-pass before halftime, but Diogo Leite handled the ball in the box moments later.
Modric tried to score, but Frederik Ronnow blocked him, and Volland scored soon at the other end to put Germany up at halftime.
After Lucas Vazquez’s fizzing volley started the second half, Ronnow kept his cool to block it and then saved a Rodrygo header.
After Ronnow failed to stop Joselu’s header from a Rodrygo cross, the towering striker scored again in the 73rd minute to shift the game’s storyline.
Union fought well, and Kral scored with five minutes left, but Ceballos’ shot trickled across the line to clinch his team’s perfect group record.
4-3-1-2 Real Madrid player ratings
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga—6/10 A crucial early save. Couldn’t help Volland’s goal.
RB: Lucas Vazquez (6/10). He tried to get into risky positions but couldn’t finish.
After failing to stop the opening goal, Nacho Fernandez was pushed too high. A odd choice.
David Alaba, CB, 4/10 Missed Volland’s opener clearance with his feet. After another poor performance, the Austrian appears to have lost supporters’ trust.
Fran Garcia had a mixed performance. Got into some wonderful situations and played a few good balls, notably Joselu’s second, but never seemed complete.
Luka Modric can’t score penalties, but his passing range is unmatched, as shown by his exquisite assist for Joselu’s second goal.
CM: Dani Ceballos (8/10). The key goal came late after some flowing moments to keep Madrid ticking. Had luck with the deflection but earned it.
Federico Valverde (6/10) played a deeper role and enjoyed a passing-focused performance.
AM: Jude Bellingham (6/10). He tried hard but missed the game’s first goal. Found a wasteful booking.
Rodrygo (7/10) energized Madrid’s attack by buzzing about for space. Unfortunately missed the goal, but provided the equalizer assist.
ST: Joselu 8/10 He scored two crucial goals for Madrid. Want nothing more.
Substitutes: Toni Kroos (46′ for Valverde) – 7/10.
For Alaba, Antonio Rudiger (71′) – 6/10
Sub: Brahim Diaz (80′ for Rodrygo)—N/A
Sub: Nico Paz (90′ for Ceballos)—N/A
Subs not used: Lucas Canizares, Andriy Lunin, Vinicius Tobias, Ferland Mendy, Mario Martin, Gonzalo Garcia.
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti – 6/10 Ancelotti’s lack of rotation will be questioned, but his team-motivating skill is unquestionable. Another powerful dressing room conversation.