Real Madrid vs. Galatasaray Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

Real Madrid cruised to victory against Galatasaray despite playing much of the game with 10 men, as they won 4-1 to seal the top spot in Group B and qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

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Real Madrid vs Galatasaray: Real Madrid have scored in each of their last 29 CL matches http://t.co/9Ne3bwmstx

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 27, 2013"

Sergio Ramos was sent off after only 25 minutes for the home side, which could have left them in serious difficulties, but Real took the lead 10 minutes later after Gareth Bale's long-range free kick deceived goalkeeper Eray Iscan.

Galatasaray's attacker Umut Bulut leveled the scores after he was played in on goal by Didier Drogba, ensuring there was no clean sheet for the returning Iker Casillas.

Real took control after halftime, though, with Alvaro Arbeloa netting a rare goal and Angel di Maria doubling their lead.

A solo run from Isco sealed the victory, which gave Madrid a 100 percent home record. They are unbeaten in the group stage with one game left to play.

With 18 goals scored in their five matches, Real are also the highest scoring team in the Champions League so far.

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Well that was quite a second half from Real Madrid. 10 men but they blew Galatasaray away. 4-1 it finishes. Xabi Alonso is very good.

— AS English (@English_AS) November 27, 2013"

Manager Reaction

Carlo Ancelotti was pleased with his team's resilience and courage after the red card, per UEFA.com.

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The match was difficult after Sergio Ramos's red card, but with ten men we controlled the game and played very well. Being a man down is not easy and all the players worked together. I was sad when I needed to substitute Jese [after 28 minutes]. He was playing well but I had to change things – I needed to put a defender on. The team reacted well, the quality of the squad is excellent.

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Roberto Mancini of Galatasaray was disappointed at his side's mistakes, however:

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We played some excellent football in the first half. I did not understand what happened in the second half, though. If you make such mistakes, then a team like Real Madrid will make you pay. The decisive match will be against Juventus on 10 December. We could have gained an advantage if we had taken three points here. I just cannot understand the simple mistakes we made. But we will definitely need the support of our fans against Juventus.

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Key Player Grades

Angel di Maria: A

In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel di Maria was one of the players to make a difference for Real Madrid. Aside from his goal, he was heavily involved in the buildup play, created chances for others and claimed an assist. His off-the-ball running was an important feature of Real's game.

Gareth Bale: A

balls.ie

Along with Di Maria, Bale was responsible for much of Real's driving attacking motion, making good runs infield off the ball and not being scared to commit defenders when in possession. Bale had more shots than any other Real player, and his free kick was well-timed for Madrid to grasp control of the game.

Asier Illarramendi: B+

While quiet and composed rather than standout, Asier Illarramendi was key to Real's dominance in the game, despite the team being down to 10 men. He constantly made himself available to take possession in midfield, utilised the ball well and ensured his team kept up the tempo to open up Galatasaray.

What's Next?

Real are through and guaranteed top of the group. Galatasaray must beat Juventus on the final matchday to hope to finish second and progress alongside their Spanish rivals.

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