Bayern Munich 1-2 Real Madrid: 3 key battles that decided the game

#2 Franck Ribery vs Lucas Vazquez

Ribery tried his best to salvage a draw, but Bayern never really looked like getting one

Even though Ribery looked like the only Bayern player on the pitch with intent, it was still a night to forget for the experienced midfielder.

With Bayern up 1-0, Franck Ribery had a glorious chance to double their lead with only Keylor Navas left to beat and the rest of the defenders drawn away by Lewandowski and James Rodriguez. But Ribery could not sort out his legs in time, and fluffed the chance.

What could have happened had a goal come of that, we will never know, but against a team like Madrid, chances should not be wasted. Ribery then pulled himself up by his bootstraps and played like a champion for the rest of the game, but it didn't matter.

On the other hand, Lucas Vazquez quietly had a great game in midfield. He assisted Marcelo for Los Blancos' opening goal, and controlled proceedings alongside the trio of Kroos, Modric and Isco. Bayern might have liked to exploit him, but he held his ground - and admirably at that.

Vazquez vs Ribery - stats

There is still a possible chance at redemption for Ribery when they arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu next Tuesday, amidst even more pressure. That is a chance he will have to take well, unlike the one he failed to pounce on this time around.