Lucas Vazquez scored the winner as Real Madrid recorded a 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in their final Champions League group match on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid entered the match having already qualified for the round of 16 as Group H runners-up, but Dortmund needed a favour from section winners Tottenham Hotspur in a bid to secure third position ahead of APOEL.
As it transpired, APOEL suffered a 3-0 defeat at Wembley, meaning that Dortmund were able to secure the Europa League spot despite ending their Group H campaign with a narrow loss.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
6.46pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from the Bernabeu as European champions Real Madrid welcome Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in Group H. Real Madrid have already qualified from this group behind Tottenham Hotspur, but Dortmund are battling to secure third position ahead of APOEL. Stay tuned for live updates from Madrid!
6.49pmTonight will bring the 14th European meeting between Real Madrid and Dortmund. The Spanish giants have won five of the previous 13, drawing three and suffering three defeats. Earlier this season, Real Madrid won 3-1 in Germany, but the last clash between these two teams at the Bernabeu finished 2-2, with that match-up occurring during last season's group stage.
6.52pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Bernabeu. Both teams were in league action at the weekend – Real Madrid drawing 0-0 at Athletic Bilbao, and Dortmund drawing 1-1 at Bayer Leverkusen. Any changes? Let's have a look...
6.55pmTEAMS!
REAL: Navas; Nacho, Varane, Ramos, Theo; Kovacic, Casemiro, Isco; Vazquez, Mayoral, Ronaldo
DORTMUND: Burki; Subotic, Bartra, Sokratis, Schmelzer; Sahin, Dahoud; Pulisic, Kawaga, Guerreiro; Aubameyang
6.58pm
🚶♂👋 ¡El equipo ya está en el Bernabéu! #RMUCL | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/1Eb0KfLcbL
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 6, 2017
7.02pmReal Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has made five changes from the team that started against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga at the weekend. Nacho and Theo Hernandez replace Dani Carvajal and Marcelo at the back, while Mateo Kovacic, Lucas Vazquez and Borja Mayoral come in for Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema. Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco both keep their spots.
7.05pmAs for Dortmund, Andriy Yarmolenko and Andre Schurrle both started on the bench as head coach Peter Bosz included Christian Pulisic and Shinji Kagawa in support of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Marc Bartra is also in the XI after sitting out the 1-1 draw with Leverkusen at the weekend.
7.08pmSo there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Madrid. I shall speak about the away side and their recent struggles a little bit later, but let's start with Real Madrid. As mentioned, Zinedine Zidane's side booked their spot in the knockout round of the competition with a 6-0 win at APOEL last time out.
7.12pm
10 - This is the 10th game between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League since 2012/13, more than any other fixture in the competition over that period. Classic. pic.twitter.com/1TIv4CySPG
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 6, 2017
7.15pmReal Madrid have won three, drawn one and lost one of their five Group H fixtures to sit second, and they will stay in that position with Tottenham winning the group regardless of what happens tonight. Los Blancos actually finished second in their group last season, and still went on to lift the trophy.
7.18pmThe Madrid giants will enter the match having won 32 of their last 38 Champions League home matches, and they have not lost at home in the group stage of the competition since a 3-2 defeat to AC Milan in October 2009. Their progression to the knockout stage means that they have never failed to get out of the groups in 22 previous participations in the Champions League.
7.22pmReal Madrid have only won three of their last eight games in all competitions, however, and it would be fair to say that it is a difficult period for the Spanish outfit. They were held to a goalless draw by Bilbao in the league at the weekend, and sit eight points off Barcelona at the top of the Spanish table.
7.25pm
🏃 Warm-up time! / ¡Calentamiento!#RMUCL | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/q2hx5MvMha
— Real Madrid C.F.🇬🇧 (@realmadriden) December 6, 2017
7.28pmCristiano Ronaldo has netted in all five of Real Madrid's Champions League matches this season, and his European form is in stark contrast to his La Liga form, having scored just twice in 10 league matches this season. Despite Real Madrid's problems during the 2017-18 campaign, they can never be ruled out when it comes to this competition. Kickoff is fast approaching at the Bernabeu!
7.32pmAs for Dortmund, it has been a very disappointing Champions League campaign for the German outfit. They have only collected two points from five group matches – failing to win in the process. Peter Bosz's side are in pole position to finish third ahead of APOEL, but a defeat tonight would open the door for the Cypriot outfit, who are away at Tottenham, to snatch the Europa League position.
7.35pmDortmund have actually only won one of their last 10 European matches, and have been victorious on just one of their 13 previous visits to Spain, with that success occurring at Atletico Madrid in the 1996-97 group stage. They have been present in the knockout stage of the Champions League in the last four seasons, but that will not be the case this time around after a disappointing campaign.
7.38pm
💪 Warm-up! #rmabvb pic.twitter.com/envpiAeXqy
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) December 6, 2017
7.42pmDortmund have also won just one of their last 11 games in all competitions, suffering five defeats in the process. They have dropped down to sixth position in the Bundesliga after failing to win in their last seven, and it would be fair to say that it is a very testing time for the German giants. Bosz's side are only four points off second-placed RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, however, and could well make an impression in the Europa League this season, if they secure third spot. Right, kickoff at the Bernabeu is almost upon us!
0 minKICKOFF! Dortmund kick things off here...
2 min... Dortmund will he hoping that Tottenham beat APOEL tonight so they claim third whatever happens at the Bernabeu. The German side cannot afford to take any chances though, and might will fancy their chances of beating this under-strength Real Madrid side. It should be a good game.
3 minSAVE! Burki is down to keep out a powerful strike from Ronaldo.
5 minNot an awful lot to report in terms of attacking football in the early moments, but Real Madrid have had the majority of the ball as they pass from side to side. The home supporters will be expecting a performance tonight following the disappointing draw with Bilbao in La Liga at the weekend.
7 minRonaldo shows brilliant feet down the left before looking to deliver, but Sokratis is on hand to make the clearance. Isco is heavily involved for the hosts as he continues to drop into a deep area.
8 minGOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Dortmund (Mayoral)
9 minBreakthrough! Real Madrid take the lead in the eighth minute as Mayoral clips home from close range after Isco's touch had found the 20-year-old. What a moment for the striker!
11 minDortmund look a team short of any sort of confidence. There is no question that they have talented players, but the Bundesliga side just cannot seem to keep hold of the ball at the moment here.
12 minGOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Dortmund (Ronaldo)
13 minRonaldo becomes the first player in history to score in each of his six group matches in a single Champions League campaign as he finds the top corner from distance. Some strike!
15 minDortmund could concede five or six here. Real Madrid are just so dominant as they continue to find space in the final third of the field. The team in yellow look shell-shocked with 15 minutes played.
16 minBOOKING! Bartra (Dortmund) is booked for a poor tackle on Theo.
18 minRonaldo has had some problems scoring in the league this season, but the Portuguese now has nine goals in the Champions League this term, which is staggering at this stage of the competition. No sign of any life from Dortmund as the team in white continue to dominate the possession.
20 minIt is just so easy for Real Madrid as they continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. It is almost like a training exercise of attack versus defence. Dortmund are showing nothing here.
22 minHalf-chance for the home side as Theo works his way into a shooting position before releasing, but his effort is just wide of the far post. Dortmund's defence is sinking deeper and deeper here.
24 minAs it stands, Dortmund are missing out on a spot in the Europa League as APOEL are still holding Tottenham at Wembley. That could change, but it does not seem that the German outfit will gain anything from the Bernabeu tonight. Bosz looks perplexed on the touchline at the moment.
25 minTottenham have actually just taken the lead against APOEL, which is great news for Dortmund!
26 minCHANCES! Dortmund have a couple of massive chances! First, Aubameyang just fails to connect on a dangerous cross from Guerreiro, before Navas is forced to palm the ball clear following a low strike from Pulisic. This is better from the visitors, who are showing some signs of life.
27 minCHANCE! Another chance for Dortmund as Pulisic feeds Kagawa, but the number 23 sees his strike blocked behind by Varane. Real Madrid are coming under pressure here.
30 minMuch, much better from Dortmund, who are having most of the ball at the moment. One goal back would change the complexion of this match, and Real Madrid have not looked all that secure defensively without their two first-choice full-backs. We finally have a game on our hands here.
32 minRonaldo heads a Kovacic cross towards Mayoral, but the weight is just too strong, and Dortmund can clear their lines. It is a very open game as we approach the latter stages of the first period.
34 minSuper defending from Subotic as the Dortmund centre-back beats Mayoral to a cross from Lucas. Ronaldo then tests Burki with a strike, and the goalkeeper makes the save. Plenty happening here.
36 minCHANCE! Massive chance for the visitors as Aubameyang finds all sorts of space inside the Real Madrid box, but he sends the ball wide of the far post. Really should have scored!
38 minIn fairness to Dortmund, it would have been easy for them to fold after the second goal went in, but they are playing some very good stuff at the moment, and really should be on the scoresheet.
38 minREAL MADRID SUB! Varane is injured, and the Frenchman leaves the field for Marco Asensio. Nacho has moved into centre-back for the home side, with Lucas going to right-back.
40 minRonaldo wants a penalty after going down inside the box under a challenge from Schmelzer, but the referee is simply not interested. It might have been a penalty, but Ronaldo did not help himself by exaggerating the fall. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at the Bernabeu.
42 minHalf-chance for Mayoral, but the striker sends his low effort just wide after smart work from Isco.
43 minGOAL! Real Madrid 2-1 Dortmund (Aubameyang)
44 minDortmund have one back at the Bernabeu as Aubameyang heads a super Schmelzer cross into the back of the net! Brilliant cross and a wonderful header from the Gabon international!
45+1 minHALF-TIME: Real Madrid 2-1 Dortmund
8.32pmSo there we have it. The referee brings an entertaining first period to a close with Real Madrid leading Dortmund 2-1. The home side threatened to run away with the match after scoring twice in the opening 12 minutes, but the Dortmund response was impressive, and Aubameyang headed them back into the contest late in the first period. More of the same in the second period please!
8.37pmSTATISTICS! Real Madrid dominated the first-half possession with 63%, while they managed seven attempts - five of which were on target. Dortmund, meanwhile, hit the target with just one of their three attempts, but it found the back of the net. Just the one yellow card - Bartra in the 16th minute.
8.42pmBENCH WATCH! Real Madrid have already been forced into a change - Asensio replacing the injured Varane in the 38th minute. Ceballos and Llorente, however, are among those that will be hoping for a chance in the second period. As for Dortmund, head coach Bosz has the likes of Isak, Schurrle and Yarmolenko on what is a strong bench. Plenty of talent in reserve tonight, that is for sure.
46 minRESTART! Real Madrid resume the action here...
47 min... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops in Madrid.
48 minHalf-chance for the away side as Guerreiro delivers a dangerous cross into the Real Madrid box, but Nacho is there ahead of Aubameyang, who has been very dangerous for Dortmund tonight.
48 minGOAL! Real Madrid 2-2 Dortmund (Aubameyang)
49 minDortmund level the scores as Aubameyang scores his second! It is a strange goal as the striker beats the offside trap before first being denied by Navas, but he chips the ball over the goalkeeper on the second attempt! Real Madrid wanted offside, but it was not given!
52 minI would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals tonight, especially considering the way that both teams are defending. Real Madrid really took their foot off the gas at 2-0 ahead.
52 minCHANCE! Isco feeds Ronaldo in a dangerous position just inside the Dortmund box, but the number seven places the ball wide of the post!
54 minAubameyang's pace is causing Real Madrid's defence all sorts of problems, although Nacho has just shown incredible speed to drive past the striker. End-to-end football with 54 minutes on the clock.
56 minNacho is having a very good few minutes here as the centre-back denies Aubameyang with a super challenge. I knew Nacho was quick, but he is matching Aubameyang for pace at the moment.
58 minLittle over 30 minutes of football remaining, and we are level at 2-2. Real Madrid looked like they were going to win this by four or five after a wonderful start, but Dortmund have been brilliant since the latter stages of the first period. The hosts are going to make their first change of the match.
59 minREAL MADRID SUB! Ceballos replaces Kovacic for the home side.
62 minIt is almost like a basketball match at the moment as both teams continue to commit players in the final third of the field. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals at the Bernabeu.
64 minIsco looks to find Ronaldo with a deep cross, but the ball is too high, and Dortmund have a goal kick. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining, and we are still locked at 2-2 in the Spanish capital.
65 minDORTMUND SUB! Weigl replaces Sahin for the away side.
68 minReal Madrid are the team on the front foot at the moment as Dortmund struggle to get out of their own half. This is what occurred in the opening 15, 20 minutes, but the away side are holding firm.
70 minDortmund are enjoying a decent spell as they pass and probe in Real Madrid's half of the field. That said, the away side are struggling to open up the home side's defence as things stand.
70 minREAL MADRID SUB! Llorente replaces Isco for the home side.
71 minBurki is on hand to keep out Asensio's strike from outside the box.
72 minCeballos curls over the Dortmund crossbar after finding some space inside the box. Real Madrid are the team looking the more likely as we head into the final 20 minutes of action at the Bernabeu.
73 minAnother comfortable save from Burki, who keeps out a strike from Lucas.
74 minCHANCE! Massive chance for the home side as Asensio delivers a stunning cross towards Ronaldo, but somehow he does not convert under pressure from Subotic. Wow!
75 minRonaldo wants a penalty after going down inside the box under pressure from Subotic, but the referee is not interested. The centre-back did seem to be holding Ronaldo's shirt there!
76 minReal Madrid are really piling on the pressure with 76 minutes on the clock here.
77 minCHANCE! Ronaldo heads straight at Burki from close range!
78 minThe pressure from Real Madrid is relentless!
79 minGOAL DISALLOWED! Real Madrid have the ball in the back of the net as Ronaldo converts from close range, but the offside flag is raised. Replays show it was the wrong call!
80 minDORTMUND SUB! Toprak replaces Barta for the away side.
81 minGOAL! Real Madrid 3-2 Dortmund (Lucas)
82 minReal Madrid finally have their third of the match as Lucas Vazquez finds the bottom corner of the net with a clever finish! It was coming, there is absolutely no question about that!
84 minDortmund finally folded after a sustained period of pressure, and Real Madrid want more goals here as they continue to commit players in the final third of the field. What a game this has been.
86 minBurki does well to keep out a strike from Ronaldo as the home side continued to press forward.
88 minDortmund are going to finish third in this group, meaning that they will be present in the Europa League round of 32. Playing like this, they will fancy their chances in that competition.
89 minCLOSE! Kagawa fires just over the Real Madrid crossbar after showing super feet outside the box. What a wonderful chance to level the scores at 3-3 here!
90 minLlorente sends a low effort just wide of the Dortmund post.
90+1 minWe are into the first of three additional minutes at the end of the 90.
90+2 minDORTMUND SUB! Yarmolenko replaces Kagawa for the away side.
90+3 minWe are into the final moments here, and Real Madrid are going to record a 3-2 win. It has been much better from Dortmund though, and the German outfit will finish third in the group.
90+4 minFULL-TIME: Real Madrid 3-2 Dortmund
9.36pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Real Madrid recording a 3-2 win over Dortmund. Real Madrid go through second in Group H, while Dortmund secure third and a spot in the Europa League. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again!
