At some point Real Madrid probably had to lose a dramatic European Cup game. And on Wednesday evening it finally happened: a weak Blancos team lost 1-0 to the extremely impressive Lille – their Champions League magic was nowhere to be found.

It was an outstanding performance from the home team, who were well organized in defense, disciplined at the right times and at times used their luck to prevail against a European giant. Los Blancos, on the other hand, lacked ideas and will until late into the night – and they simply couldn’t conjure up a goal.

Endrick came closest to Madrid early on, forcing his way through the defense before his shot from close range was parried by the goalkeeper. Lille also had a good chance, but Andriy Lunin – who came on as a substitute for the injured Thibaut Courtois – saved Jonathan David’s free header.

David made no such mistake at half-time, firing a penalty into the top corner after Eduardo Camavinga handled the ball in the box.

Los Blancos left it too late to create anything. A flurry of chances only came in the final minutes, with Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr both going close. Kylian Mbappe, who came on as a substitute with 30 minutes left, also offered attacking ideas, but Lille’s goal could not be broken through.

These games rarely happen for Madrid. Usually there is the late goal or the dramatic moment. Only this time it didn’t quite arrive.

GOAL evaluates the Real Madrid players from Stade Pierre-Maroy…