Moldovan champions Sheriff pulled off one of the most outstanding results in UCL history on Tuesday as they defeated 13-time winners Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The competition debutants showed that they would not be intimidated in their debut group match two weeks ago by defeating Shakhtar Donetsk in Tiraspol.
They then followed up their first win with a remarkable second win by defeating the almighty Real Madrid in their second match.
Los Blancos had also kicked off their Champions League campaign with three points after defeating Inter by a 1-0 margin.
They seemed set on replicating that feat at the Bernabeu but were given a great shock by the newcomers.
It was Madrid’s first-ever game against Moldovan opposition and despite their large spell of possession and chances, Carlo Ancelotti’s men failed to impress.
Los Blancos were stunned when Sheriff striker Jasurbek Yakhshiboev headed Sheriff ahead 25 minutes into the first half.
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The hosts managed a total of 13 shots in the first half but somehow couldn’t find a way past Georgios Athanasiadis in the Sheriff goal.
Karim Benzema gave his team a glimmer of hope as he converted from the penalty spot to level things at 1-1 at the half-hour mark.
However, nothing is quite so straightforward in football with Luxembourg international Sebastien Thill providing a late twist to the game.
The midfielder rifled in a brilliant half-volley in the 90th minute to restore Sheriff’s lead. You could tell by the team’s celebrations just how much the goal meant to them.
They didn’t get carried away by the goal and were able to see out the final nervy moments of the tie to claim victory.
Real Madrid boss Ancelloti bemoaned his side’s missed chances, stating that he couldn’t explain how his team lost after creating so many goalscoring opportunities.
“More than worried we are sad,” Ancelotti said after the game. “We played with intensity, commitment … We lost because of the small details.
“The team played well. We could be finer in the final third, but it is difficult to explain.”
Sheriff now go top of Group D with six points with Real Madrid following with three points. The other two teams Inter and Shakhtar Donetsk both have a point apiece after playing a goalless draw in the earlier kick-off fixture.
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