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This was a difficult reaction for me to write for obvious reasons. Please forgive me for the delay, it's certainly not my best work.
- The first thing I thought of when I saw the starting line-up tonight - 45 minutes before kick-off - was my God, Kroos as a lone DM? Pepe on the bench? This was perhaps not the time for either of those two options. However, despite all that, Real Madrid played really well. It was always a risk, of course. It didn't take Juve much to get in a dangerous position - just one pass in behind the midfield. It was a gamble that didn't pay off for Ancelotti, but it was perhaps the best option. Real Madrid played well, but you need luck more than anything in these types of do-or-die matches.
- This game was a prime example of Marcelo's offensive capabilities out-weighing his defensive liabilities. He was one of Real Madrid's most dangerous attackers despite having some trouble with positioning early on. Again, no luck. But this point would have remained whatever the outcome of the score was.
- Chiellini and Pirlo - two legends, almost gave this game away for Juventus. Chiellini was clumsy as always in his penalty giveaway, and Pirlo gave away the ball quite a few times in key areas. Overall, his distribution was poor. It wasn't these two who won the tie for Juve. Which leads me to my next point.
- Well done Morata. He's improved leaps and bounds this season. Two keys goals, and apart from the goals, showed he's good enough for any top club.
- Casillas. Apart from that disaster of a throw-in at the end, was phenomenal. I was his biggest critic as of late, but he really earned my respect with this warrior-like performance tonight. Great saves, great attitude.
- Ronaldo and Bale - I'm not sure how to rank their performances. Both were brilliant at times, but equally bad at other times. Ronaldo probably could have settled this tie in the first half had he been more unselfish / clinical. All in all, you expect more from them.
- It was a night of true Madridismo which is all you can ask for really. The support from the fans was beyond great, and the attitude of the players was one that the spirit of Juanito would be proud of. They all fought hard and ran their lungs out - everyone from Chicharito to Carvajal. It was a disappointing season, but we must remember that one of the hardest things to do in football is to win the Champions League back-to-back.
- Hala Madrid.