Karim Benzema’s brace has sent Real Madrid into the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League as they beat Mönchengladbach 2-0.
The Spanish giants who have been inconsistent risked being dumped to the Europa League and a win was vital to their qualification. A draw would have put them on hold as their qualification would depend on the outcome of Shakhtar Donetsk’s game with Inter.
With their fate all in their hands, Zinadine Zidane’s men place their bet on themselves and were not disappointed as Benzema showed he is still a reliable striker.
The Frenchman raised the hopes of the home fans in the 9th minute when he scored the first goal and made it 2-0 in the 31st minute as he placed Madrid in the driving seat.
The win meant that Madrid pipped to the top of the group with 10 points, two ahead of Mönchengladbach who also made it to the next round, thanks to the outcome of the other group match in Italy.
As celebrations went on in Spain for both sides, the teams in Italy failed to stake a claim in the second spot that Madrid left opened with the defeat of Mönchengladbach.
A win for Shakhtar would have placed them automatically in second place with nine points but the goalless draw meant they settle for the Europa League spot with eight points as Mönchengladbach edge with goal difference.
Inter stayed bottom of the group with six points having won only one group game, lost two and drew three.
