Real Madrid welcomed Schalke 04 to the Bernabeu on Tuesday for the second leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League.
The home side entered the match as the firm favourites to advance into the quarter-finals following a 2-0 victory in the first leg last month.
Schalke took the lead on the night through Christian Fuchs after 20 minutes, but a towering header from Cristiano Ronaldo levelled the scores just five minutes later.
The German side regained the lead late in the first period when Klaas-Jan Huntelaar fired home from close range, but again Real Madrid responded as Ronaldo netted his second header of the match in first-half stoppage time.
Real Madrid then led 3-2 on the night through Karim Benzema after 53 minutes, before Leroy Sane bent one into the top corner for 3-3 just four minutes later.
Huntelaar scored his second late on to send Schalke 4-3 ahead on the night, but the German side could not find another as Real Madrid advanced 5-4 on aggregate.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from the Bernabeu as Real Madrid welcome Schalke 04 for the second leg of their last-16 clash. The Spanish side lead 2-0 from the first leg last month and therefore Schalke have plenty to do if they are to make the quarter-finals.
First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news.
TEAMS
REAL: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Varane, Coentrao; Khedira, Isco, Kroos; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
SCHALKE: Wellenreuther; Howedes, Matip, Nastasic; Hoger, Neustadter, Fuchs, Barnetta; Meyer, Choupo-Moting, Huntelaar
So there we have it. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has made three changes to the XI that lost at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, with Alvaro Arbeloa, Fabio Coentrao and Sami Khedira coming into the team in place of Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Lucas Silva. As confirmed by Ancelotti on Monday, Luka Modric is on the bench having been out of action since November with a thigh problem.
Ancelotti also vowed not to drop any of his front three despite their goal struggles and the Italian has been true to his word, with Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema all in the team tonight. Midfielder Toni Kroos also starts despite claims that the German is suffering from fatigue.
As for Schalke, inexperienced goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, who made his Champions League debut in the first leg last month, once again starts between the sticks. It appears that Roberto Di Matteo has gone for a 3-4-3 formation, with Max Meyer and Tranquillo Barnetta both coming into the XI. Experienced Dutch forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is also fit to start against his former club despite suffering an injury in the first leg, but Kevin-Prince Boateng misses out through suspension.
As mentioned, Real Madrid will enter this match as the firm favourites to reach the quarter-finals following a 2-0 victory in the first leg last month. In truth, there was not too much between the teams for long spells, but goals from Ronaldo and Marcelo in either half secured a vital first-leg victory.
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These two sides also met at this stage of the competition last season and it was plain sailing for Real Madrid, who booked their spot in the quarter-finals with a 9-2 aggregate score. They won 6-1 in Schalke, before recording a 3-1 victory in the second leg. This time around it promises to be a lot closer, but Real Madrid look likely to overcome the Germans for a second successive season.
Should Real Madrid win this evening, it will be their 11th consecutive victory in the Champions League – setting a new record in the competition. It would also allow the Spanish club to match the 12-game Champions League record for home successes. Records are nice, but the only thing that Carlo Ancelotti will be focused on tonight is booking a spot in the last eight of the tournament.
This is the 18th consecutive season that Real Madrid have reached the knockout round of the Champions League, while they have reached at least the semi-finals in each of the last four seasons. They are, of course, also the holders having won their 10th European Cup against rivals Atletico Madrid last year. Can they become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League?
The statistics also point to a successful campaign for Real Madrid, who have had the most shots (134) in this season's competition, in addition to keeping clean sheets in their last five European games, which is their best run in the competition since 1998. They have also netted in each of their last 21 Champions League matches in this particular stadium. Not statistics that Schalke will welcome!
So... Real Madrid are the favourites then, but it has not exactly been plain sailing for the capital outfit in recent weeks. They dropped home league points against Villarreal at the start of the month, before losing at Athletic Bilbao at the weekend. As a result, they have relinquished first position in La Liga, with Barcelona now taking charge of Spain's top flight with just 12 games of the season remaining.
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In terms of their record in two-legged ties, Real Madrid have lost only one of the 29 UEFA competition ties where they won the first leg away from home. Schalke, on the other hand, have lost all four ties where they were beaten at home in the first leg. A Schalke win this evening is not entirely out of the question, but by two clear goals? I am not so sure. The atmosphere is really building here.
While Real Madrid have a wonderful history in this competition, Schalke's best-ever Champions League campaign was a semi-final appearance in the 2010-11 season, where they were beaten by Manchester United. Since then, they have fallen at this particular stage in their last two attempts.
In truth, Schalke's form as a whole has not been great in the last couple of weeks – winning just one of their last five games in all competitions. That victory did come at the weekend, however, with a 3-1 success over Hoffenheim keeping the German outfit in the race for the top four in the Bundesliga. As it stands, they sit fifth in the table, just one point off the Champions League positions.
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"It is going to be difficult for us but we are going to attempt it. Real Madrid are a very strong side and it's very difficult to play at their level – we will try our best. We need to be well organised. I hope the media are right and their forwards are having a tough time – it's impossible to stop them altogether," Schalke boss Roberto Di Matteo told UEFA.com ahead of the second leg in the Spanish capital.
2 - Real Madrid have not failed to score in consecutive games (all competitions) since September 2011 (vs Racing & Rayo). Warning.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) March 10, 2015
Schalke's travelling support are in wonderful voice at the moment, with the Germans making their presence heard inside this famous stadium. Little over 10 minutes until this one gets underway.
PREDICTION! Real Madrid are not playing well at the moment, there is no doubt about that, but I still expect this to be a fairly comfortable night. If Schalke can take the lead, the atmosphere will become very nervy, but I think Real Madrid will come through 3-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.
342 - Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has failed to score a CL goal in his last 342 playing minutes, his longest drought since 2010 (509). Task.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) March 10, 2015
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening - let's hope that the football matches it! The Bernabeu is certainly expecting a response from their side, there is no question about that.
Just a reminder that Real Madrid currently lead 2-0 from the first leg. You just get the feeling that Schalke need to start this match quickly. Right, the away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
As expected, it has been a bit of a tentative start, with both teams conceding possession in the middle of the park. Choupo-Moting almost has a sight of goal for Schalke, but Pepe is across to clear.
Schalke have an opportunity to threaten as Hoger takes the ball away from Isco before driving down the left, but his cross is really poor. Huntelaar was free in the middle and would have had a sight of goal had the ball been better. It has been a bright opening few moments from the visitors here.
Not too much in terms of attacking intent from the home side thus far, with Varane conceding possession in a dangerous area as Schalke continue to press. The visitors have been the better team in the opening five minutes, although a low cross from Bale does threaten to bring a home chance.
Half-chance for Real Madrid as Isco slides a super pass into Benzema, who turns one defender inside the box, but his cross is blocked by Matip. The resulting corner, however, is gathered by Wellenreuther.
First sign of Ronaldo as the Portuguese turns into space before sliding in Bale, but the Welshman's cross is cleared at the near post. The hosts have just started to dominate possession of the ball.
Another half-chance for the home side as Benzema feeds a pass into Isco, who dances into the box, but Matip is across to clear for another corner. Good pressure from Real Madrid in the last few moments.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Schalke to take the lead as Meyer races down the left before feeding Choupo-Moting, but his effort is wide of the post. The striker really should have done better!
Well, 12 minutes in and Di Matteo will be delighted with what he has seen thus far. Schalke have been the better team in possession of the ball and indeed had the best chance. It is still goalless though.
Schalke again cut Real Madrid open down the right, but Huntelaar is in an offside position when he feeds Fuchs, who strikes straight at Casillas. Not sure about some of the defending from the hosts!
It is the Schalke supporters making all of the noise in the early moments here, with the visitors looking much more dangerous in the final third. Huntelaar turns inside the Real Madrid box, but Varane manages to scramble clear for a throw. The natives are very, very restless at the moment.
Schalke are too strong, too quick and too good for Real Madrid at the moment...
Meyer again threatens the home side with a pacey run, but his final effort is wide of the post. The German was allowed to run through the middle completely unmarked. Incredible really!
Barnetta has the chance to deliver from the right after breaking past Coentrao, but his low cross is blocked. Schalke continue to play the better football in the final third, with the home supporters expressing their disappointment each time Real Madrid concede possession. Still goalless on the night.
GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Schalke (Fuchs)
Now then! Schalke take the lead with 20 minutes on the clock as Huntelaar dummies a low cross inside the box, allowing Fuchs to strike past Casillas from close range. They deserve it!
It was Barnetta with the cross from the left, which seemed to stun the Real Madrid defence. All the pressure is coming from the visitors and we now have a serious tie on our hands in Madrid.
All Schalke at the moment as Barnetta delivers again, but this time Varane is on hand to clear the danger. What on earth is happening with Real Madrid here? They are absolutely all over the shop.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Schalke (Ronaldo)
Who else?! Real Madrid are level on the night as Ronaldo thumps a header into the top corner after meeting a corner from Kroos. Ronaldo bails his team out again. Devastating blow for Schalke.
40 - Cristiano Ronaldo has scored his 40th competitive goal for Real Madrid this season in what is his 36th appearance. Monster.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 10, 2015
Half-chance for the home side as Bale finds space down the right before delivering into the box, but Wellenreuther is on hand to collect at the vital moment. Schalke cannot afford to concede again.
SUB! Schalke are forced into an early change here as Choupo-Moting leaves the field, with Sane entering as his replacement. It is a European debut for the teenage attacker.
Schalke have to continue attacking if they are to stand a chance, but the goal for Real Madrid has just settled the home side down, with their midfield now enjoying an extended spell of possession.
BOOKING! Ronaldo (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Hoger.
Barnetta tries his luck for the away side after finding space outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. The opening 33 minutes of this match have just flown past.
Despite the goal, it still isn't really happening for the home side in the final third as Ronaldo concedes possession outside the box. There really is something missing from Los Blancos at the moment.
Half-chance for the home side as Bale finds a pocket of space outside the box before striking one towards the bottom corner, but it was always a comfortable save for the Schalke goalkeeper. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Real Madrid lead 3-1 on aggregate here.
Another half-chance for Real Madrid as Isco slides a super pass into Ronaldo, but the attacker scuffs his effort from a wide angle. It almost turns into a cross for Bale, but Schalke have a goal kick.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Schalke to score a second as a terrible back-pass from Varane puts Casillas in trouble. Huntelaar challenges the Real Madrid goalkeeper and the ball trickles towards the bottom corner, but Pepe is on the cover to clear the danger. More questionable defending.
CROSSBAR! Huntelaar is now in the mood as the Dutchman fires one from just outside the box, but his effort rattles the crossbar. Can Schalke force a second before the interval?!
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-2 Schalke (Huntelaar)
WOW! Huntelaar does get his goal as the Dutchman fires one past Casillas after the Real Madrid goalkeeper had fumbled an effort from Meyer. Very much tie on now in Madrid!
Terrible, terrible defending from Real Madrid for much of this first period.
Strong pressure from the away side in the final moments of the first period. As it stands, one goal for Schalke would take them into the next round. What a match we have on our hands here!
CHANCE! Opportunity for the home side to respond as Ronaldo sets up Khedira, who turns inside the box before bending one towards the top corner, but Wellenreuther is across to make the save.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-2 Schalke (Ronaldo)
The man is just a genius. Real Madrid are back on terms as Ronaldo heads a Coentrao cross into the back of the net. Where would the Spanish side be without the attacker? Just a sensation isn't he.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 2-2 Schalke
... aannndddd breathe.
Well, what a stunning half of entertainment at the Bernabeu. Twice Schalke have led, with Fuchs and Huntelaar on the scoresheet, but a couple of Ronaldo headers have left the score level at 2-2 at the interval. As it stands, Real Madrid lead the tie 4-2 on aggregate, but we are far from done here!
STATS! Real Madrid have just about shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had six attempts - four of which have been on target. Schalke, however, have had eight attempts - three of which have been on target. There has also been one yellow card, with Ronaldo in the book.
BENCH WATCH! Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday that Modric would be given minutes this evening following his injury, but can the Croatian be risked with such an edgy tie? The likes of Javier Hernandez, Jese Rodriguez and Marcelo are also in reserve for the hosts. Schalke, meanwhile, have already been forced into one change, with the injured Choupo-Moting leaving the field for Sane. The German outfit still have options, however, in the shape of Goretzka and Kehrer.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the field for the second period. As it stands, Schalke need another two goals to advance. More of the same in this half please as Real Madrid resume the action.
No changes from either side at the interval, but Modric was warming up at the break and it would not be a surprise to see him in the second period. The next goal here - if there is one - could be crucial.
Bright start from Schalke as Barnetta finds some space at the far post, but his effort is straight into the arms of Casillas. Real Madrid's defending this evening has been absolutely awful at times.
Bale is caught on the ball in the middle of the park as Schalke force another half-chance, but Pepe comes across to challenge Meyer at the vital moment. Really good pressing from the visitors again.
Really positive goalkeeping from Wellenreuther as the Schalke stopper comes through a crowd of players to claim an inswinging Kroos corner. The Schalke supporters remain in fine voice here.
Benzema concedes possession once again as Real Madrid continue to struggle in the final third. But for Ronaldo, Schalke would be in charge of this tie. The Germans have been much the better team.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-2 Schalke (Benzema)
Real Madrid take the lead on the night as Benzema dances into the Schalke box before firing into the bottom corner. Good composure from the Frenchman and the hosts are now in full control here.
That is tough on Schalke, who now need three goals if they are to make the quarter-finals. Real Madrid have been awful at the back, but they have such talent in the final third of the field.
BOOKING! Coentrao (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Barnetta.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-3 Schalke (Sane)
And it is 3-3! Schalke are back on terms as Sane bends one into the top corner from outside the box. What a moment for the teenager. Good grief this one might just end 7-7!
SUBS! Both sides have made changes. Goretzka is on for Hoger for Schalke, while Modric makes his long-awaited return in place of Khedira. Marcelo also enters for Real Madrid in place of Coentrao.
Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and Schalke need two more goals. Can you imagine? It would be one of the stories in recent history. I fancy another two or three goals in this one!
Schalke continue to threaten as Meyer wins another corner from Arbeloa and Real Madrid do not look comfortable from set pieces this evening. If Schalke can score the next goal then my word it would be some final 25 minutes or so. Barnetta strikes one from a wide angle, but it is deflected away.
Half-chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese turns on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the Schalke goalkeeper. This match continues to flow from end-to-end in Madrid.
Meyer takes matters into his own hands for the visitors, but his low effort is just wide.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to score a fourth as Arbeloa breaks into the Schalke box, but Wellenreuther is across to make an excellent save. Smart goalkeeping again.
Real Madrid might well sneak through this evening, but their rivals in the competition will not be worried with what they have seen. The home side have another half-chance as Isco brings an Arbeloa cross out of the air before firing a low cross towards Ronaldo, but Matip is on hand to clear.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Real Madrid still have a two-goal lead in the tie. You just wonder whether Schalke have got enough left to force a late comeback at the Bernabeu.
CHANCE! Kroos strikes one beautifully from just outside the box after excellent work from Isco, but Wellenreuther is on hand to make a super save, before Bale heads over from the resulting corner.
Ambitious from Neustadter as the Schalke midfielder tries his luck from 30 yards, but it was always moving wide of the post. Time is just starting to run out for the visitors in this second leg.
Both managers have one permitted change remaining here. Who will act first?
More like it from Bale as he strikes one from outside the box, but Wellenreuther saves.
The tempo has noticeably dropped in the last few moments, despite Real Madrid coming close to a fourth goal on a couple of occasions. Schalke are finding it difficult to make an impact now.
Half-chance for the away side as Meyer swings a leg at a cross from Barnetta, but the German cannot make proper contract. Neustadter tries his luck moments later, but Casillas is on hand to save.
Fuchs strikes one from a wide angle as Schalke find a second wind, but again it is straight at Casillas. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining and the visitors still need two more goals in this tie.
SUB! Schalke make their third change as Uchida replaces Barnetta.
SUB! The hosts make their final change as Nacho replaces Arbeloa.
CLOSE! Isco comes close to making it 4-3 Real Madrid as he bends one towards the bottom corner, but his effort was always curling away from the post. Unlucky.
Porto are heading for the quarter-finals, meanwhile. The Portuguese side now lead Basel 4-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate. They look likely to be joined by Real Madrid, who lead 5-3 on aggregate.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-4 Schalke (Huntelaar)
GAME ON! Schalke have their fourth as Huntelaar races past the Real Madrid defence before finding the top corner via the crossbar. Schalke only need one more to make it into the next round!
Schalke are down the left with Fuchs, but the cross is poor and Real Madrid have some respite. There is still time for the German outfit to cause one of the biggest shocks in CL history here.
SAVE! Casillas flies across his goal to deny Sane from a long-range effort!
The referee whistles for a free kick as Casillas is challenged in the air. Still time...
Not too much happening at the moment, with the home side managing to retain possession.
Desperate defending from Pepe as the Real Madrid centre-back twice clears Meyer crosses.
CHANCE! Huntelaar sets up Howedes inside the box, but his effort is saved by Casillas, who gets down very well indeed. Oh my word the tension inside this stadium is incredible!
We are into the first of three additional minutes here.
Schalke are trying to play their way through the middle at the moment, but Real Madrid manage to clear as time continues to tick on. One more chance perhaps? Schalke have a corner...
... Casillas claims excellently to take the pressure off his back four.
BOOKING! Neustadter (Schalke) is booked for a foul on Pepe.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 3-4 Schalke (Real Madrid win 5-4 on aggregate)
Good grief. Real Madrid go through, but with very, very little to spare. The hosts win 5-4 on aggregate despite losing 4-3 on the night. Incredible night in the Spanish capital!
I shall now crack on with my analysis piece, which might take around 11 hours so bear with me! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
