Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Borussia Dortmund: The Magic comeback by Madrid 2024

Real Madrid delivered another dramatic Champions League comeback on Tuesday night, turning a 2-0 halftime deficit into a stunning 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabeu. The win showcased Real Madrid’s relentless spirit and clinical finishing, with Vinicius Jr stealing the show with a second-half hat-trick. Lucas Vazquez also made headlines, going from a shaky first half to smashing in the go-ahead goal late in the match.

Despite their early struggles, Carlo Ancelotti’s side proved once again why they are known as the comeback kings of Europe, leaving Borussia Dortmund stunned in a rematch of last season’s final.

Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Borussia Dortmund: Vinicius Jr Hat-Trick Shines as Comeback Kings Dominate Once Again

First-Half Frustrations for Real Madrid

Dortmund started the game strong, striking first after 30 minutes when Serge Guirassy found Donyell Malen, who smashed the ball past a helpless Thibaut Courtois. Just minutes later, Dortmund doubled their lead, with Jamie Bynoe-Gittens sneaking in at the far post to convert a cross from Malen. Real Madrid responded with several dangerous chances, but Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo were both denied by the woodwork, while a full-stretch save from Gregor Kobel kept a freak deflection out of the net.

At halftime, it seemed like Real Madrid might be in for a rare Champions League loss, but as we’ve seen many times before, Madrid was far from finished.

The Real Madrid Comeback Machine Roars to Life

In typical Real Madrid fashion, the second half saw a shift in momentum. Dortmund’s cautious approach allowed Madrid to pile on the pressure, and within minutes, the game had completely turned on its head. Antonio Rudiger started the comeback by heading in a cross from Kylian Mbappe, and just moments later, Vinicius Jr leveled the score with a cool finish inside the box.

Lucas Vazquez then made up for his earlier mistakes, hammering in a vital goal to give Madrid a 3-2 lead. The Bernabeu erupted as Vinicius added two more spectacular goals to complete his hat-trick, sealing a memorable 5-2 victory.

Here’s how the Real Madrid players rated in their Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund:

🤳 @vinijr 🤳#UCL pic.twitter.com/zGthoDWYNt

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) October 22, 2024

Player Ratings

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (7/10): Courtois couldn’t do much to stop either of Dortmund’s first-half goals but made a few vital saves to keep Real Madrid in the game. His presence was once again reassuring in key moments, especially early in the second half.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10): From villain to hero, Vazquez had a rough start, giving the ball away for Dortmund’s opener and losing his marker for their second. However, he redeemed himself by scoring the crucial third goal that put Madrid in the lead.
Eder Militao (6/10): Solid in the air but could have done more to prevent Dortmund’s second goal. His distribution was decent, but not his best night defensively.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10): Took his header superbly to bring Madrid back into the game. Was strong at the back in the second half and helped settle the team down after their shaky start.
Ferland Mendy (6/10): Struggled to close down the spaces effectively on Dortmund’s first goal and got caught out for the second. Improved as the game progressed but still looked vulnerable defensively.

Midfield

Federico Valverde (7/10): His energy is always a key asset, but he was caught out of position on occasion in the first half. Valverde improved considerably after the break, offering more structure and support in midfield.
Jude Bellingham (7/10): Bellingham had a rollercoaster of a game. He missed a great chance and hit the bar, but his relentless work rate was key in Madrid’s midfield dominance. He looked more dangerous in the second half.
Luka Modric (6/10): Not at his usual imperious best, with some uncharacteristic sloppiness in possession. However, his brilliant pass led to Madrid’s second goal, showcasing his ability to make things happen when it matters most.

Attack

Rodrygo (6/10): Was unlucky not to score after hitting the post. His link-up play improved as the game went on, but he still looks like he needs a goal to get his confidence flowing again.
Kylian Mbappe (7/10): Quiet in the first half, but his delivery for Rudiger’s goal was top-notch. Grew into the game as it progressed and played a key role in Madrid’s second-half resurgence.
Vinicius Jr (10/10): A masterclass in attacking play. Vinicius was unplayable at times, scoring a brilliant hat-trick that included a delightful equalizer and two more sensational goals. On this form, there’s no question that he’s one of the best in the world right now.

Substitutes & Manager

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10): Came on and added some much-needed stability to the midfield. His presence allowed Valverde and Bellingham to push forward more effectively.
Aurelien Tchouameni (N/A): Came on late and didn’t have enough time to make a significant impact.
Dani Ceballos (N/A): Barely had any time to influence the game.
Arda Guler (N/A): A late substitute with little opportunity to make a mark.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10): Took a gamble with his attacking lineup, which left the team exposed in the first half. However, he kept faith in his players and his system, which paid off spectacularly in the second half as Madrid mounted yet another memorable comeback.

Key Takeaways: Real Madrid’s Champions League DNA Shines Again

Once again, Real Madrid’s never-say-die attitude in the Champions League was on full display. They have a remarkable ability to rise to the occasion in Europe, especially at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite going 2-0 down, there was always a sense that Madrid could turn things around—and they did, with Vinicius Jr delivering a performance to remember.

The win not only keeps Madrid’s Champions League hopes alive but also reinforces their reputation as the kings of the comeback. With Vinicius Jr in this kind of form, and players like Vazquez stepping up when needed, Madrid will remain a serious threat in this competition.

Conclusion

Real Madrid’s 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund was another classic example of the magic that surrounds the club in European competitions. Despite a poor first half, they bounced back with a sensational performance, led by a hat-trick from Vinicius Jr and a crucial goal from Lucas Vazquez. With this result, Real Madrid have sent a message to the rest of Europe—they are never out of a game, no matter the scoreline. This is what makes them the true kings of the Champions League.

Victims of Real Madrid comebacks pic.twitter.com/Zs8mgtS3C3

— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) October 22, 2024

FAQs

Who was the standout player for Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund?
- Vinicius Jr was the standout player, scoring a second-half hat-trick and terrorizing Dortmund’s defense throughout the game.
What was the final score between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund?
- Real Madrid won 5-2 after trailing 2-0 at halftime.
Did Kylian Mbappe score in the match?
- Mbappe did not score but provided the assist for Antonio Rudiger’s goal, which sparked Madrid’s comeback.
How did Lucas Vazquez perform?
- Lucas Vazquez had a rough first half but redeemed himself by scoring the go-ahead goal that made it 3-2.
What’s next for Real Madrid in the Champions League?
- Real Madrid’s next match in the Champions League is a key fixture against Borussia Dortmund in the reverse fixture, where they’ll look to secure qualification for the knockout stages.