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

Real Madrid ran out 2-0 winners in the Champions League on Tuesday over FC Copenhagen on a poor pitch in Denmark.

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Real Madrid have equalled the record for most goals in a single Champions League Group Stage (Manchester United and Barcelona 20).

— FootballFacts101 (@FootballFact101) December 10, 2013"

While the opening exchanges were energetic and end-to-end, there wasn't much in the way of goalmouth incidents to talk of. Both sides were showing a lack of finesse in the final third, with an off-target, bobbling Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick from 30 yards symptomatic of the game's start.

Luka Modric scored the opening goal of the game with a fantastic curling effort from outside the penalty area, finding the top corner from 20 yards on 25 minutes, arguably the first real piece of quality in either final third.

Ronaldo was thwarted by the 'keeper twice with shots from inside the box as Real looked to confirm their superiority. Copenhagen did have the ball in the net five minutes before the break, but it was ruled out for an arm across the 'keeper.

Five minutes into the second half the game was effectively over, Ronaldo sweeping home from close range for 2-0. The Portuguese forward went closest to scoring the third goal, too, as he swivelled to strike a shot against the base of the post after 75 minutes.

The Danish side threatened on the counter-attack at various times thereafter, but Real were never really in any danger and saw out the game in comfort.

The final chance of the game came, predictably, to Ronaldo, who had a late penalty to seal a bigger win—but he saw his tame spot-kick saved by Wiland.

Key Player Grades

Cristiano Ronaldo: B

Played his usual game; threatened the goal time after time, with plenty of wayward shots but also plenty to test the opposing goalkeeper. A neat finish for Real's second sealed the game, while his pace was always a big threat. Poor penalty to end the game.

Luka Modric: B+

A spectacular opening goal and Modric was heavily involved all game in much of Real's build-up play, setting the tempo for their play and frequently releasing the final third players into space. A good, controlled performance in the centre.

Position	Player	Grade
Subs
G	Wiland	C+
D	Jacobsen	C
D	Mellberg	C+
D	Sigurdsson	C
D	Bengtsson	D
M	Gislason	D
M	Claudemir	D+
M	Delaney	C
M	Toutouh	C
M	Jorgensen	C
F	Vetokele	C+
M	Bolaños	C+
M	Remmer	C
F	Pourie	C

Position	Player	Grade
Subs
G	Casillas	B
D	Arbeloa	C
D	Nacho	C
D	Pepe	B
D	Marcelo	B
M	Alonso	B
M	Modric	B+
M	Bale	C
M	Isco	B
M	Ronaldo	B
F	Benzema	C+
M	Di Maria	C
M	Illarra	C
M	Casemiro	C

What's Next?

Real Madrid win the group and are through to the knockout stages which will resume after the new year. Danish side Copenhagen finish bottom of the group with one win from six.

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