Real Madrid were excellent on their way to a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach. Karim Benzema scored two first-half headers, but Real Madrid also had several other chances and hit the post three times.

Real Madrid started well and Luka Modric was absolutely excellent from the beginning. Even at 35 years of age, he dictated the play.

Modric was playing on Real Madrid's right and linked up well with Lucas Vazquez, the right winger filling in at right-back, and with the young winger Rodrygo.

It was Lucas and Rodrygo who put in the two excellent crosses from the right for the two Benzema headed goals in the opening third of the match.

Alassane Plea did have one very good counter attacking opportunity that he spurned, but apart from that Borussia Monchengladbach created little in the first half.

So, Borussia Monchengladbachmade made a couple of half time substitutions, one of which was to remove left-back Oscar Wendt after his tough first half up against Modric, Lucas and Rodrygo. But, the subs didn't change much and Real Madrid continued dominating.

Sergio Ramos had a shot saved and Benzema and Lucas hit the post each as Real Madrid pushed for a third goal.

At the other end, Borussia Monchengladbachmade couldn't find a way past Real Madrid's solid back line.

Borussia Monchengladbachmade went through even with this loss, but they'll be frustrated that they only had one shot on target in such a crucial game. Real Madrid, on the other hand, stepped it up for the big occasion as they so often do.