Late Asensio goal secures victory for Real Madrid; Spurs put three past Dortmund

A late goal by Marco Asensio helped defending champions, Real Madrid, defeat Ajax 2-1 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Ajax played well on home ground and had a Nicolas Tagliafico goal ruled out by the first-ever Champions League video assistant referee consultation.

But Real later took the lead when Karim Benzema blasted into the top corner after a fine leg work by Vinicius Jr.

Hakim Ziyech levelled for the hosts from 10 yards 15 minutes from time, but Asensio scored the winner from Dani Carvajal’s cross.

In other news, Sergio Ramos made his 600th appearance for Real Madrid in all competitions – the seventh different player to achieve this landmark.

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In England, Tottenham Hotspur totally dominated Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling second half at Wembley, scoring three goals to take control of their last 16 tie.

Spurs, who were without injured talisman Harry Kane as well as Dele Alli, will be going into the return leg of the tie with a 3-0 advantage.

Goals by Son Heung-Min, Jan Vertonghen and Fernando Llorente put the Premier League side in command, with the clean sheet enhancing their chance of progressing to the quarterfinals.

“We were able to keep them quiet in the second half and they weren’t able to be clinical. The game changed in the second half definitely,” said Vertonghen after the game.

The reverse fixtures will hold on March 5th.

 

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