This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/01/ludogorets-razgrad-real-madrid-champions-league-group-b-match-report

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema seals comeback at Ludogorets Razgrad Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema seals comeback at Ludogorets Razgrad
(35 minutes later)
Karim Benzema came off the bench to score 13 minutes from time and give the holders, Real Madrid, a patchy 2-1 win away to a resilient Ludogorets Razgrad in their Champions League Group B match at the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia.Karim Benzema came off the bench to score 13 minutes from time and give the holders, Real Madrid, a patchy 2-1 win away to a resilient Ludogorets Razgrad in their Champions League Group B match at the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia.
The lively Brazilian midfielder Marcelinho fired Ludogorets, making their home debut in the group stage, ahead after eight minutes when he headed home from close range after Sergio Ramos failed to clear Fábio Espinho’s corner.The lively Brazilian midfielder Marcelinho fired Ludogorets, making their home debut in the group stage, ahead after eight minutes when he headed home from close range after Sergio Ramos failed to clear Fábio Espinho’s corner.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a 10th-minute penalty saved by Vladislav Stoyanov but he made no mistake when handed another chance to score from the spot 15 minutes later, netting his 69th Champions League goal – two behind the record holder, Raúl.Cristiano Ronaldo had a 10th-minute penalty saved by Vladislav Stoyanov but he made no mistake when handed another chance to score from the spot 15 minutes later, netting his 69th Champions League goal – two behind the record holder, Raúl.
Real moved on to six points from two games when Benzema finished off a precise left-wing cross by Marcelo.Real moved on to six points from two games when Benzema finished off a precise left-wing cross by Marcelo.
The hosts, who gave the 10-times European champions a torrid time especially in the first half, were left to rue several missed chances in front of 40,000 vociferous Bulgarian fans.The hosts, who gave the 10-times European champions a torrid time especially in the first half, were left to rue several missed chances in front of 40,000 vociferous Bulgarian fans.
Ludogorets, who produced a classy and confident performance at Liverpool two weeks ago, losing 2-1 after conceding a stoppage-time penalty, came close to scoring on several occasions although Stoyanov also made some good saves after the interval.Ludogorets, who produced a classy and confident performance at Liverpool two weeks ago, losing 2-1 after conceding a stoppage-time penalty, came close to scoring on several occasions although Stoyanov also made some good saves after the interval.
Carlo Ancelotti left Toni Kroos, James Rodríguez and Benzema on the bench with Isco, Asier Illaramendi and Javier Hernández replacing them in the starting line-up.Carlo Ancelotti left Toni Kroos, James Rodríguez and Benzema on the bench with Isco, Asier Illaramendi and Javier Hernández replacing them in the starting line-up.
The visitors, wearing their away black “dragon-themed” shirts for the first time, struggled to build any momentum despite dominating possession with Gareth Bale and Hernández missing good scoring opportunities.The visitors, wearing their away black “dragon-themed” shirts for the first time, struggled to build any momentum despite dominating possession with Gareth Bale and Hernández missing good scoring opportunities.
Ludogorets refused to surrender following Ronaldo’s equaliser and looked set to take a point from an end-to-end contest, only for Benzema to dash those hopes and seal a fifth straight win in all competitions for the Spanish side.Ludogorets refused to surrender following Ronaldo’s equaliser and looked set to take a point from an end-to-end contest, only for Benzema to dash those hopes and seal a fifth straight win in all competitions for the Spanish side.
“We played very well against the best team in the world,” said the Ludogorets coach Georgi Dermendzhiev afterwards. “We have to regret [the result] because we’re calm and confident.”
“I’m disappointed, we didn’t deserve to lose,” added Ludogorets captain Svetoslav Dyakov.
“We showed good intensity and created many chances,” said Ancelotti. “We should have scored earlier. We played 4-4-2 with Bale and Isco on the wings and we did well. Ludogorets were fast and counter-attacked well. I wanted to rest players like Kroos, James and Karim, who play often, and at the same time I wanted to motivate the younger players.”