Real Madrid booked their place in the knockout round after a comfortable win in Moldova against FC Sherrif Tiraspol. Across the city, another UEFA Champions League loss puts Atlético de Madrid on the brink.

Real Madrid avenged their shocking loss at the Santiago Bernabeu to the Moldovan Minnows. The result (1-2) sent shockwaves through the footballing world and embarrassed Los Blancos. 

However, in Moldova, Los Blancos completed their task with relative ease. Sherrif had an early warning of things to come. Toni Kroos shot was saved by the goalkeeper, Giorgos Athanasiadis, only to be turned home by Karim Benzema. But, the Frenchman was offside. 

Just before half an hour had been played, the deadlock was broken. Real Madrid were awarded a free kick on the edge of their opponent's box by referee Szymon Marciniak. David Alaba struck a free-kick with his left foot around the wall towards the goal. On its way through the crowded penalty area, it took a nick on the way through and flew past Athanasiadis.

Embed from Getty Images

Just before the interval, Real Madrid extended their lead with a sublime goal. Luka Modrič beat his man on the right-hand touchline and played the ball inside to Rodrygo. The Brazilian played a one-two with compatriot Vinicius Jr before laying the ball on the Kroos. The German was at the edge of the box and sweetly struck the ball the first time. The ball cannoned down of the crossbar and over the line. A superb finish from the German maestro.

The scoring was then finished by, in the news, French Forward Benzema. The striker hit a lovely shot from the edge of the box into the bottom left-hand corner to put the game beyond any doubt.

However, Carlo Ancelotti will be concerned as Alaba limped off before the full-time whistle.

Los Blancos face Inter Milan, at San Siro, in the final matchday. A win or a draw would see the Spanish giants top the group.

  • Atleti fail to win again

Atlético de Madrid are at the foot of their Champions League group and need to beat FC Porto away from home to have any chance of qualifying for the knock stages.

A dismal performance against AC Milan will concern Diego Simeone, whose side was undone by a late Junior Messias goal. 

Atleti failed to create any clear cut chance and were living dangerously through the second half. Just one minute before the goal, Zlatan Ibrahimović had the opportunity to win the game, but Jan Oblak responded with a fine save. But the Slovenian could do nothing about second-half substitute Messias’ goal. A free header from almost the 6-yard box gave I Rossoneri a vital victory. 

Embed from Getty Images

The defeat puts Los Rojiblancos on 4 points bottom of the 4 team group. They have only managed three Champions League wins in three campaigns since their famous win at Anfield in March 2020.

Luis Suárez poor Champions League form also continued. The striker has scored just once (a winning penalty against AC Milan in matchday 2) since he played for FC Barcelona against AS Roma all the way back in 2015 

Simeone will need all the Uruguayans to experience when the side travel Portugal on 7th December.

  • Elsewhere

Villarreal CF suffered a loss against Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Spain and punished The Yellow Submarine. However, the Europa League Champions are still sat in second place and face Atalanta B.C. in a winner takes all clash in Italy.

Barcelona got out of jail with a shocking late miss for Haris Seferovic against SL Benfica. However, Los Culés will be pleased with the visible progress made under coach Xavi Hernández (Xavi). But old problems are still shining through. A lack of end product results in possession without precision. Barcelona need a win against German giants FC Bayern Munich to secure their round of 16 places. If they lose, they must hope SL Benfica match their result. 

Sevilla FC finally turned their excellent league form into a win against VFL Wolfsburg. A 2-0 victory will please manager Julen Lopetegui. Sevilla’s passage into the next round is very much in their own hands. A win will see them through despite being in 3rd place. 

All 5 Spanish teams can still qualify for the knockout stages, but some look more likely than others.