Two late Real Madrid goals cancelled out a Marcus Thuram double as Borussia Monchengladbach blew their chance of a famous win.
Real Madrid were looking for their first group stage win of the season after they fell 2-3 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk last week.
Gladbach meanwhile drew 2-2 in dramatic fashion at Inter Milan, knowing a win might take them top of the group.
Marcus Thuram of Borussia Moenchengladbach celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B stage match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Real Madrid at Borussia-Park on October 27, 2020
Image credit: Getty Images
Zinedine Zidane’s side started the brightest but it was former Barcelona player Lilian Thuram’s son, Marcus, who put the home side ahead after an excellent passing move.
In the second half, just before the hour mark, Thuram shocked Real and judging by the look on his teammates’ faces, them too as he followed up a shot from Alassane Plea to capitalise on Thibaut Courtois’ weak wrists.
With 20 minutes remaining Zidane introduced both Luka Modric and Eden Hazard from the bench and while the Belgian looked bright, it appeared to be too late.
However late goals from Karim Benzema and Casemiro rescued a point for Real in dramatic circumstances.
Talking Point - Real Madrid avert a crisis but they continue to underwhelm
A win against Barcelona will always cheer up Real Madrid fans but there are more reasons here to be concerned than there are to celebrate. Yes, they showed determination to find a draw despite time running out, but for much of this match they were as uninspired as they were last week against Shakhtar.
Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after he scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B stage match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Real Madrid at Borussia-Park on October 27, 2020 in Moenchengladbach, Germany
Image credit: Getty Images
Zinedine Zidane did not make a single signing in the transfer window and this is a Real side that look tired and in need of inspiration. Karim Benzema stepped in with some magic, as did Luka Modric, but the pair of them are the wrong side of 30 and at some point soon they will have to be replaced. At the very least they will not be on hand for all of this season given the strains placed on every player due to the coronavirus-enforced schedule.
Unless the coach can alight on something new to excite and inspire his current squad, they might well win La Liga, but they will be found out in Europe.
Man of the Match - Marcus Thuram
At 23 he is unlikely to have quite the impact of his father, but he is a special player. Fourteen goals for Gladbach last season, and three after this match for this campaign. He has yet to make a full appearance for the French national team but his goalscoring instincts could see him replace Olivier Giroud.
Marcus Thuram of Borussia Moenchengladbach celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B stage match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Real Madrid at Borussia-Park on October 27, 2020 in Moenchen
Image credit: Getty Images
Player Ratings
Borussia Monchengladbach: Sommer 6, Kramer 6, Elvedi 6, Hofmann 6, Ginter 6, Bensebaini 6, Neuhaus 6, Stindl 7, Lainer 6, Thuram 8, Plea 7. Subs: Herrmann 6, Wolf 6, Embolo 6.
Real Madrid: Courtois 5, Ramos 7, Varane 6, Mendy 6, Vazquez 6, Kroos 6, Casemiro 7, Valverde 6, Vinicius Jr 6, Asensio 7, Benzema 7. Subs: Hazard 6, Modric 7, Rodrygo 6.
Key Events
16’ - BENZEMA CHANCE - Vazquez dinks a ball over the top for Benzema. He chests the ball down carefully, and swings his boot to send a shot flying wide of the near top corner.
22’ - VINICIUS SHOT - Asensio beats three men with pace and control, finds Benzema, who lays it forward to Vinicius, and his shot is put wide for a corner.
33’ - GOAL! Gladbach 1-0 Real Madrid. Thuram scores - Quick passing finds Plea on the right wing. He spots Thuram's run to the back post, and slides a superb pass into his path for the Frenchman to clip past Courtois.
Marcus Thuram
Image credit: Getty Images
58’ - GOAL! Gladbach 2-0 Real. Thuram scores - Lainer sends in across and Plea meats it first time as it drops. Courtois pushes it out straight to Thuram, and everybody assumes he's offside, but he's yards on.
87’ - GOAL! Gladbach 2-1 Real Madrid. Benzema scores - Casemiro does brilliantly to keep the ball in play from an overhit cross, heading back into the box, and Benzema's overhead kick gives his side hope.
90+2’ - GOAL! Gladbach 2-2 Real Madrid - Casemiro scores - Modric lifts a ball to Ramos in the six-yard box. He heads it back to Casemiro and he can finish easily from close range.
Key Stat
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