3️⃣ points as Real Madrid boost last 16 hopes with Inter win | OneFootball

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Phil Costa·25 November 2020

3️⃣ points as Real Madrid boost last 16 hopes with Inter win

Article image:3️⃣ points as Real Madrid boost last 16 hopes with Inter win

Real Madrid boosted their hopes of group stage progression after beating Inter 2-0 at San Siro.

Goals from Eden Hazard and Rodrygo were enough to down the Italian side, who were down to 10-men after Arturo Vidal’s sending off.


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Here are three points we took from the game …


When will he learn?

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Usually players mature and control their emotions as they get older, but Arturo Vidal is football’s own Benjamin Button.

The veteran midfielder has built his career on aggression, tenacity and competitive spirit in midfield but cost his side after an unnecessary show of petulance saw him red carded.

We can understand appealing for a penalty – particularly when the incident was similar to Real Madrid’s earlier on – but two yellow cards within five seconds is inexcusable.

Before the sending off, Inter were competing well but now, even Europa League football looks a tall order and Vidal should feel responsible.


Finding his level

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It’s fair to say that Eden Hazard has struggled to replicate his Chelsea form in Madrid colours. However, his performance against Inter should offer some encouragement.

The 29-year-old looks to have lost a yard of pace, but remains deceptive and agile, completing more take ons (6) than any other player on the pitch.

Drifting inside from the left, he combined well with Martin Ødegaard and was secure in possession, but also welcomed responsibility when taking the penalty to open the scoring.

Will we ever see Hazard in peak form? Unlikely. But he can undoubtedly contribute if back to full sharpness.


Joker in the pack

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They may not be the Galácticos anymore, but Real Madrid still boast an impressive set of attacking options. Why is why Rodrygo taking his chances is all the more impressive.

The 19-year-old scored shortly after coming on as a substitute in the reverse fixture, and he went one step further by scoring 30 seconds after his introduction on Wednesday.

He is quick, direct and more importantly has proven his instinct for goals, with six already in nine Champions League appearances – including three assists.

Fellow Brazilian Vinícius Júnior arguably arrived to more fanfare, but Rodrygo is slowly proving his worth at the highest level.