Real Madrid 3-2 Borussia Dortmund: 5 Talking Points

#1 Both teams' defence need pepping up

Sergio Ramos was second-best to Aubameyang

The countless number of chances created by either side may have made for an encounter that was pleasing to the eye, but any Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund fan will tell you that all is not well with the quality of defending that was on offer on Wednesday night.

Real Madrid were dealt a big blow when Raphael Varane was forced off through injury in the first half, which now leaves their defensive resources stretched with Sergio Ramos suspended for the Sevilla game on Saturday.

Their thin defence was constantly exposed by Dortmund's dangerous front three of Shinji Kagawa, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic. The trio were making numerous approaches towards the 18-yard box as they looked to make a comeback from 2-0 down and Aubameyang, in particular, was a genuine threat in the counter-attack.

Dortmund's weakness in defence, on the other side of the pitch, lies in dealing with crosses or long balls. Every time a cross was put into the box, the visiting defenders appeared to get themselves into a scramble just to clear the danger.

With Ronaldo and Borja Mayoral prowling in the penalty area throughout, the back three were looking desperate and relieved just to get the ball away for a corner rather than show some confidence in heading an aerial ball or clearing a low cross away from goal.

The defending was not the best on show from either side and both managers would have made similar observations during the game. Rectifications in that area of the pitch wouldn't do them half-bad as they prepare for their respective European knockout campaigns.