Real Madrid will win the Champions League round of 16 following a 2-0 (match result) win over Inter Milan on Tuesday with Toni Kroos and Marco Asensio. A comfortable win at the Santiago Bernabeu, helped by a red card from Nicolo Barella in the 64th minute of the football match when Inter were a goal down, sent Madrid to lead Group D. Los Blancos are now five points ahead of the Italians, who finished second.
Inter had to win to take first place, but after an early storm, Madrid was better, and Kroos’ goal put them in control before Barella’s elimination, and then a brilliant shot from Asensio ensured the result. Madrid’s bounty is a guarantee they will avoid the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City when they draw for the knockout stages on Monday.
Karim Benzema was missing after injuring Real Sociedad on Saturday, and as Luka Jovic completes, Madrid will hope to have Benzema for Atletico Madrid’s home derby in La Liga on Sunday. “We have a few days to see if Karim recovers, I think he will,” Ancelotti said.
Madrid already has eight points left in Spain and, with their impressive performance in the Champions League, were the first months for new coach Ancelotti. Inter was the fastest team from the start to get the ball around Madrid, whose best chance came at the break. Inter came closest when Marcelo Brozovic sent a diving attempt into the back of the net.
Madrid, however, evolved in the game, with Luka Modric and Cross becoming increasingly dominant in midfield. Vinicius Jr. was leading away when he unexpectedly passed the ball back to Kroos. Casemiro made a good attempt to break from the right, but the home team’s left defense pushed the ball into a corner.
The goal lost the confidence of Inter, who stood on their back for the rest of the half. Vinicius wanted a penalty but fell too easily and then slammed a four against three on the counter. Jovic slipped and slid into the wet grass. His usual fast runs were nowhere to be seen today. After a short fight with the defender, Barella finally tucked the ball home.
