Real Madrid continue hot form in Europe despite domestic slump
Real Madrid continue hot form in Europe despite domestic slump
Goals from Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo ensured that Real Madrid's dominance in Europe continued despite faring relatively badly in La Liga.
Following a run of mediocre results in La Liga, which consisted of two home draws and one loss to Valencia, Levante, and Real Betis respectively, Real Madrid were expected to face a tough test against Borussia Dortmund.
Playing in front of a usual rapturous crowd at Signal Iduna Park, Real Madrid was constantly finding space behind Dortmund's defence. Peter Bosz decided to start a high line, something few managers would opt for considering the speed of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
It took less than 10 minutes for Madrid to infiltrate Dortmund's high-lined defence. A long ball from Modric over the back four found right-back Dani Carvajal's perfect run. Goalkeeper Roman Bürki saved brilliantly to prevent an early disadvantage.
Just eight minutes later, Real Madrid were ahead. Carvajal floated yet another ball behind the Dortmund backline which found Bale, who brilliantly volleyed home first time.
Just four minutes into the second half, Madrid doubled their lead. Bale was found with anchors of space to run into and squared the ball for Ronaldo who emphatically finished.
Aubameyang got one back for the hosts but Ronaldo scored again with 10 minutes remaining to finish them off. Modric slotted a ball behind the defence to Ronaldo who sprinted in the box before blasting the ball home.
Zidane will hope that his side can carry their form through to La Liga as they look to close a 7-point gap with leaders Barcelona.