Mesut Ozil's free kick saved Madrid from an embarrassing loss, but the draw is almost as bad. Ozil tied the match in the 90th minute on a free kick. This only partially let Alvaro Arbeloa and Madrid off the hook.

They dominated possession and out-shot Borussia Dortmund. By looking at the numbers alone, this match shouldn't have been a draw. Were it not for Arbeloa's own goal right before the half, it wouldn't have been.

While Madrid has to be happy they didn't take the loss, they also have to wonder what would have happened if they didn't nearly beat themselves.

 

The Goals

 

Reus Breaks the Ice

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Borussia Dortmund struck first in this match. In the 28th minute, Marco Reus took the headed pass from Robert Lewandowski and deposited it in the upper-right corner of the net. 

It was a beautifully set up fast break and Reus beat Iker Casillas to open the scoring.

Borussia Dortmund 1, Real Madrid 0

 

Pepe's Header

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Madrid wasted little time responding with the equalizer.

Pepe nailed a header off the assist from Mesut Ozil. A breakdown in defense allowed deep penetration inside the goal box. Roman Weidenfeller had no chance in this instance.

Borussia Dortmund 1, Real Madrid 1

 

Arbeloa's Gaffe

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With the score still deadlocked and the clubs nearing halftime, Alvaro Arbeloa didn't exactly do his side any favors. His own goal gave Borussia Dortmund the lead.

Arbeloa's defense had been an issue all match, and this really put the icing on the cake:

 

Borussia Dortmund 2, Real Madrid 1

 

Ozil's Game-Saver

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Just when it looked as though Madrid would face a bitter defeat, Ozil took advantage of a free-kick opportunity to even the match. His play allowed Madrid to salvage something from what was genuinely a poor effort.

Borussia Dortmund 2, Real Madrid 2

 

Grades

 

Alavaro Arbeloa - F

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He defended poorly, had an inadequate pace and he produced an own goal that nearly cost his side the match. I'd say things couldn't have gone more poorly for him.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo - C

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Ronaldo couldn't seem to gain traction on defense and offensively he wasn't aggressive enough. Of course, with Ronaldo there is no winning—especially when Madrid loses. These two contrasting tweets are proof of that.

Still, he has to find a way to make plays to turn his club's fortunes. In a two-minute span, Ronaldo missed the target from a very makeable distance and had two attempts blocked.

If he converts just one of those chances, he changes the match.

 

Roman Weidenfeller - C+

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He was beaten by Pepe's header, but that was more a function of a breakdown from the men in front of him. Weidenfeller was strong against attacks and smart with the ball.

Were it not for Ozil's free kick beating him, his grade would have been higher

 

Marco Reus - B

He took advantage of one of Borussia Dortmund's few scoring opportunities. Reus played at great pace and stayed aggressive when he had realistic chances.

 

Mesut Ozil - A

Ozil told ESPN he expected for his club to win this match. He didn't get what he was expecting, but he did his part in the matter. His goal and assist are the reasons Madrid isn't completely bummed on Tuesday.

 

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