UEFA Champions League Match Recap: Real Madrid 4-0 Olympique Lyonnais
It cannot be easy for any opposing team to enter Santiago Bernabéu. The roaring and chanting of the crowd, the palpable, tangible energy—any side who can call it home would undoubtedly have the advantage.
Real Madrid did a whole lot with their advantage tonight, routing Group D opponents Olympique Lyonnais with a final score of 4-0 and reinforcing their lead in Group D as they are now five points over Lyon and Ajax, who share the second spot.
Karim Benzema started things off for Los Merengues by knocking in a goal off of a Cristiano Ronaldo assist. Sami Khedira, too, got a shot at redemption after a rough start to the season, which saw him get criticized by José Mourinho after his performance against Levante and a long-running goal drought.
His midfield partner, Mesut Özil, pushed forward and looked like he would get another one past Hugo Lloris, but it was Lloris' slip-up that knocked Özil's ball through his legs and into the goal. Call it an own goal on an Özil assist.
Sergio Ramos' late-match scorcher off playing off of a Kaká corner wrapped things up in a convenient package for the Merengues and contributed to their unbeaten streak in the competition.
Kaká looked particularly impressive tonight as well, connecting well with his teammates and adding to the momentum when he came on as a substitute.
Today's results will undoubtedly place more pressure on next month's clash between the currently-tied Ajax and Lyon, who will be embroiled in a tough battle to continue on in the knockout stages. However, if Lyon wants to continue their Champions League run, they will have to toughen up their defense exponentially.
Man of the Match: Karim Benzema
There were three great goals scored at the hands of the Madridistas tonight, but the French international's quick-thinking close range shot is what got Real's momentum going and kept it going with a setup of Sami Khedira's goal to double the lead.
