Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo helped Real Madrid record a 2-0 win over Schalke 04 in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash in Germany on Wednesday.
Ronaldo netted after 26 minutes, before Marcelo scored 10 minutes from time for the European Cup holders.
Schalke hit the crossbar in the second period through Felix Platte, but ultimately could not make the breakthrough.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two European rivals.
Match statistics
SCHALKE
Shots: 8
On target: 3
Possession: 39%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 15
REAL MADRID
Shots: 10
On target: 4
Possession: 61%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
In truth, there is little doubting that Real Madrid deserved to record a fairly comfortable victory in Germany. Schalke had their moments, especially early on, but they struggled to create clear opportunities despite threatening during periods of the match. There was not too much in the opening 25 minutes, but the visitors took control of proceedings in the aftermath of Ronaldo's goal. Schalke's 19-year-old goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther made some super saves in the latter stages of the first half and had that not been the case, the tie could have been done and dusted ahead of the second leg.
Neither side had too much of note in the second period, but Platte rattled the crossbar for Schalke during one of their brighter spells. Real Madrid remained a threat in the final third, however, and found a second late on when Marcelo thumped one into the top corner following excellent work from Ronaldo. Schalke are still in the tie - unlike last season when they lost the first leg 6-1 - but there is no question that the Spanish side are now the overwhelming favourites to advance into the final eight.
Schalke's performance
Much of the focus pre-match was on whether Schalke could improve on last season's result against Real Madrid, when they were thumped 6-1 in this stadium, before losing the second leg 3-1 at the Bernabeu. Well, it was a lot closer in this one. It did not come as much of a surprise when head coach Roberto Di Matteo named a five-man defence, but the home side really struggled to create clear openings. They actually shaded the early stages, with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar making his presence felt. The Dutchman was forced to depart with an injury after 33 minutes, however, which was a big blow to their chances.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting had some bright moments, especially in the first period, but the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng and Roman Neustadter struggled to influence proceedings as the match gathered pace. Defensively, they were also wasteful, with Benedikt Howedes and Matija Nastasic guilty of conceding possession on too many occasions. That said, Di Matteo can be proud of his team despite the result. Real Madrid were far from their best, but it was still an excellent away performance from the European champions. Schalke are some way behind their opponents here, but they are moving in the right direction.
Real Madrid's performance
There was some pressure on Real Madrid entering this match following a couple of under-par performances. A certain Ronaldo also entered the match on the back of a three-game scoring drought in the league, but it did not take long for the Portuguese to make his mark as he headed a Dani Carvajal cross into the top corner in the first period. As mentioned, that was the turning point in the match, with Los Blancos always in control from that moment forward. Pepe returned from injury alongside Raphael Varane and the Portuguese had a super match, as did Lucas Silva on his first official start for the Spanish league leaders.
Karim Benzema, who had been struggling with flu in the build-up to the match, was a little off-colour, but Gareth Bale had an impressive evening in the final third. While 2-0 is already an impressive scoreline, it probably should have been more, but Wellenreuther can be pleased with his performance between the sticks for the home side. It was far from Real Madrid's best performance of the season, but their arrogance was back and they are now in an excellent position ahead of the second leg. No team in the modern day has defended the Champions League, but Real Madrid look equipped to create more history.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Cristiano Ronaldo: As touched upon, there was some pressure on Ronaldo leading up to this match following a three-game scoring drought. Well, he broke that after just 33 minutes with a super header. The Portuguese was always involved for the visitors and also set up Marcelo for Real Madrid's second late on. It was one goal and one assist for Ronaldo and those statistics simply cannot be argued with.
Biggest gaffe
When reviewing this match, Schalke will be a little disappointed with Real Madrid's first goal. There was not really a major mistake, but full-back Dennis Aogo might feel that he should have done more to prevent the cross from Carvajal. Meanwhile, Joel Matip allowed Ronaldo to ghost unmarked into the box. They were both only slight mistakes, but were punished, which should always be expected at this level of football.
Referee performance
Referee Martin Atkinson can be fairly pleased with his work in Germany. The Englishman issued just four yellow cards - a surprisingly low number in the Champions League - while he was also prepared to let the play flow when possible. Ronaldo might feel that he should have had more protection early on, but that is the only real criticism of Atkinson's performance. In truth, he was not really seen for long spells of the match, which is always a good sign for a referee.
What next?
Schalke: The German outfit resume their Bundesliga campaign at home to Werder Bremen on Saturday.
Real Madrid: Los Blancos, meanwhile, return to La Liga action away to Elche on Sunday evening.
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