Real Madrid on the way to reclaiming their trophy..
No team has successfully retained the Champions League since its inception in 1992, but Real Madrid today made a statement in their attempts to do exactly that.
Despite a few shaky moments when leading in Gelsenkirchen, Los Blancos kept Schalke at arms length and subsequently delivering a knockout blow which surely books their place in the quarter-finals.
Here is how Carlo Ancelotti’s men rated in the last-16 encounter.
1. Iker Casillas – 6
The legendary Spaniard was rarely called into action but didn’t look all too convincing in his technique when making saves.
15. Daniel Carvajal – 8
Looks like Real Madrid have found a long-term sound full-back, Carvajal produced another solid performance. A wonderful assist with his weaker foot was the cherry on the cake.
3. Pepe – 7
Brought experience to a back four which missed his presence as well as Sergio Ramos.
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2. Raphael Varane – 6
Looked the classy outfit many feel he’ll become when alongside a senior figure as he was decisive in his duel.
12. Marcelo – 7
Was his usual adventurous best down the left-hand side and capped a sound performance with an outstanding strike that perhaps settles the tie.
16. Lucas Silva – 6
Game passed him by at times as he struggled to provide a solid base to Real Madrid’s attack.
8. Toni Kroos – 7
Typical performance for the World Cup winner as most good moves went through the Real Madrid No.8
23. Isco – 8
The Spaniard is becoming a leader in this star studded line-up and penetrated the Schalke defence when he had the chance.
11. Gareth Bale – 6
Struggling for confidence and trying to tailor his game to please Ronaldo, Bale needs a goal badly.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo – 8
Efficient without being spectacular, scored a trademark header for the first and nearly had a brace with a wonderful free-kick.
9. Karim Benzema – 7
Couldn’t quite break the offside trap smoothly but nearly scored in the first half but for the keepers smart save.
Substitutes:
14. Javier Hernandez – 6
Brought on for Benzema with the game already one and couldn’t make a significant impact.
17. Alvaro Arbeloa – 6
An off the ball tussle with Kevin Prince Boateng was his only contribution in the game.
24. Asier Illarramendi – 6
Close to a departure in January, Illarra was brought on to shore the game up.