Real Madrid Get Past Galatasaray

 3-5

Real Madrid came into the match with a comfortable three goal lead and playing in Istanbul did not seem to affect their confidence early in the match.  A quick strike put them ahead, and put Galatasaray further in the hole.

Özil played Khedira into space near the end-line who then fired a cross in front of goal.  Ronaldo was playing right along the back line and was first to meet the cross, turning it into the net (8').

Madrid did not really have any issues in the first-half except an injury to right-back Michael Essien.  He had hamstring problems and came out for Arbeloa after half-an-hour.  The second-half was quite different, however, as Galatasaray managed to break through the Madrid defense.

First Sneijder played a ball into the box for the right-back Eboué making a trailing run.  Eboué hit the shot first-time to beat keeper Diego Lopez at the near-post (57').  Shortly after Sneijder missed a great chance to score, but was given another chance soon after.  Substitute Sabri Sarioglu played a through-ball to put Sneijder in-on-goal.  His first touch beat fullback Varane with a nut-meg to give hime a clear shot on goal that he did not miss (70').  

Then Galatasaray really put the pressure on Madrid when Drogba showed that he still has it with an inspired goal.  The cross was played just behind him at the near-post, but Drogba was able to turn on the ball and give it a heel-flick to beat Diego Lopez for the third time in fifteen minutes (72').  If Madrid had not scored the early goal the score would be tied, but they did and Ronaldo had one more in him during stoppage-time.  Benzema picked out Ronaldo with a pass inside the box that he drilled first-time to end any hopes for Galatasaray (90 +2').