The striker scored twice in the second half, and the former Arsenal midfielder added a late goal to complete the triumph in Germany.On Tuesday, Real Madrid’s much-maligned veteran striker Joselu emerged as an unlikely hero, winning twice in the second half to give Carlo Ancelotti’s team the victory over Union Berlin.

After trailing 1-0 at the half, his brace gave Madrid the lead. Dani Ceballos’ deflected goal then completed a flawless 3-2 victory to round off Los Blancos’ Champions League group stage campaign.Jude Bellingham had Madrid’s best apparent opportunity of the first few minutes; he side-stepped one defender and saw his close-range, side-footed effort expertly saved.

Luka Modric went up to take a penalty on the stroke of halftime, but Union goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow saved it, giving Madrid the opportunity to take the lead.Madrid was forced to pay right away as the home team scored through Kevin Volland and went straight to the other end of the field. With Madrid controlling the game, the equalizer by the visitors was not unexpected.

It came from Joselu, who sprang at the back post to nod Rodrygo’s cross into goal.After 73 minutes, the Spain striker scored again, meeting Fran Garcia’s pass with a clean header at the near post.

However, Alex Krai’s equalizer for the Union in the 84th minute appeared to force a draw between the two clubs.But Ceballos won it in the end with a deflected shot that dribbled into the net for three points.

The Olympiastadion Berlin’s Real Madrid players are rated by GOAL…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (4/10):

Could do little about the Union opener. Almost gave a goal away with a nervy blunder. Certainly could have gotten a hand on Krai’s equaliser.

Lucas Vazquez (5/10):

Started for the second consecutive game with Carvajal injured. Offered some interesting bursts of creativity, but wasn’t always solid at the back.

Nacho (5/10):

Kept things simple. Another middling performance from a serviceable back-up.

David Alaba (4/10):

Completely mishit a clearance that handed Union an opening goal. Not been at his best, of late.

Fran Garcia (7/10):

Did well in his chance to impress. Some of his link-up play was lively, and his defensive commitment can’t be faulted. Good to get an assist, too.

Midfield

Dani Ceballos (7/10):

Handed a rare start in lieu of Kroos. Strolled around, passed the ball, didn’t lose it very much. Scored the winner. A good showing.

Luka Modric (5/10):

Really didn’t need to start, but fortunately didn’t expend too much energy. Missed a penalty. He would have been the Champions League’s oldest-ever scorer if he converted it.

Federico Valverde (6/10):

Turned in an energetic, yet ineffective 45 minutes before being removed at half-time. He deserves a rest!

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

Put in a swaggering performance from the first minute. Came close on a few occasions, and was involved in pretty much all of Madrid’s attacking play throughout.

Attack

Joselu (8/10):

Put a header narrowly over in the first half. Didn’t miss in the second — scoring twice to help Madrid to victory. A match-winning showing, out of nowhere.

Rodrygo (7/10):

Lively. Created problems, and grabbed himself yet another assist. He is in fantastic form, and has been central to Madrid’s undefeated group-stage campaign.

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Subs & Manager

Toni Kroos (7/10):

Changed the game when he came on. Kept the ball moving, and helped Madrid gain control.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

A bit of a messy display after being brought on.

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Offered creativity and attacking thrust after coming on.

Nico Paz (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

Made some dubious decisions, including electing to use Bellingham, Rodrygo and Modric in a meaningless game. He will take the win, but this really wasn’t the game to rely on the big guns.