Di Maria's goal gives victory and Group G leadership to the Whites
Auxerre 0-1 Real Madrid
A late goal by Di Maria gave Real Madrid a key victory against Auxerre. The Whites dominated throughout the match and had several chances on goal. They deserved to win against a well organised French side that managed to get them into trouble at times.
Mourinho's starting lineup was rather surprising. Lass was positioned in midfield, helping form a threesome in that position to cover the backs of Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Higuain. Real Madrid dominated the match from the get-go and Lass helped out in defence and also did well in attack, creating considerable danger for Auxerre right outside their box during the first half.The locals were an uncomfortable opponent that did not show to be having a hard time in the French league. Real Madrid nevertheless had several chances to score. Higuain had a clear one, shooting on target with the goalkeeper away from his mark, bu his shot was cleared on the goal-line by Chafni. Marcelo had the next clear chance, but goalkeeper Sorin saved the day.
Auxerre were more aggressive in attack at the start of the second half. Mourinho wanted to change things and opted to make Ozil come on for Benzema on the 57-minute mark. The Madridistas weren't experiencing much trouble in defence, but they were failing to come up with clear chances to score, although Ronaldo came close from a free-kick that was again saved by Sorin.
Di Maria came on for Lass in the 72nd minute and the team returned to a 4-2-3-1 system. The Argentine's first effort came close to end in a strike; he crossed the ball into the box and Higuain was inches short of finishing it off on the goal-line. Moments later, Casillas had a wake up call on the 78-minute mark when Pepe inadvertently headed the ball to his far post while trying to clear it.
Di Maria eventually scored the victory goal following a cross into the box from Ozil that everyone failed to either clear or finish off; the Argentine controlled the ball with his chest and defeated Sorin with a phenomenal shot. This victory puts the Whites in the top position of Group G.
Lineups
| Auxerre | |
|---|---|
| Sorin | |
| Hengbart | |
| Coulibaly | |
| Grichting | |
| Dudka | |
| Ndinga | |
| Pedretti | |
| Contout | |
 Jelen 47' |  |
| Chafni | |
| Quercia 88' | |
| Langil | |
| Traoré 78' | |
| Oliech | |
| Real Madrid | |
|---|---|
| Casillas | |
| Arbeloa | |
| Pepe | |
| Sergio Ramos | |
| Marcelo | |
| Xabi Alonso | |
| Khedira | |
| Lassana Diarra | |
| Di María 74' | Goal 81' |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | |
| Benzema | |
| Özil 58' | |
| Higuaín | |
| Mahamadou Diarra 86' | |