Real Madrid beat 2-0 Roma, qualify for the Champions League knock-out stages and have almost secured the first-spot finish in their UCL Group G. However, the start of the game was rather turbulent as the Italians had better chances of scoring. Nevertheless, Blancos emerged victorious.
Madrid coach Santiago Solari, meanwhile, had the nerve of making some controversial decisions. He opted for youngster Marcos Llorente in the midfield, using him as Casemiro's replacement. This gamble paid off as plenty of fans and media named the 23-year-old the Man of the Match against Roma.
Solari's another decision - not to include struggling Isco in the squad - is rather debatable. The midfielder has never started since the arrival of the Argentinean, moreover, he has only capped 78 minutes in five matches, used only as a substitute.
VOTE HERE: Is Solari right to bench Isco?
In his post-match presser Solari explains his decision. That's what he has to say, as quoted by ESPN FC reporter Dermot Corrigan.
...on Isco
"These are calls that you make in a certain moment. It was a sporting decision, nothing else. There are no starters, or substitutes, in football. It is up to all players to be at 100%, so the coaches pick them."
...on Llorente
"We are here to take decisions, sometimes you get it right, sometimes not. I'm very happy for how he played, he has a lot of discipline, works very well, and played a spectacular game today."
...on the match itself
"We worked very hard in the game. Games last 90 minutes and sometimes you need to have patience. Today we put in a very serious performance, which is responsibility of all the players."
...on Madrid's chances to win the UCL
"Madrid are always favourite for the Champions League, regardless of how they have been playing, due to their history in this competition."
