The European champions are surely certain to reach the next stage.
Real Madrid took a giant step to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after taking a 2-0 away lead in their last-16 tie against Schalke.
Looking to become the first side to defend the competition since its inception, Carlo Ancelotti’s men produced an impressive and dominant display to send a statement across Europe.
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Video) Goal! Schalke 0-1 Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo Ends Barren Spell, Can He Grab a Second?
Real Madrid took the lead through a familiar face as Cristiano Ronaldo ended his barren spell to silence the home crowd.
Los Blancos enjoyed a period of possession as they aimed to keep Schalke at arms length throughout the encounter. Karim Benzema almost immediately doubled their lead as he was put through but couldn’t slot it past the onrushing ‘keeper.
Complacency crept into their champions’ game and Ancelotti was visibly anxious on the touchline as Shalke started to impose themselves. Felix Platte, who came on for the injured Klaas Jan Huntelaar crashed the crossbar to give Real Madrid a tangible warning.
However, Real Madrid rode the storm and delivered a knockout blow through full-back Marcelo who thundered a shot into the top corner with his weaker foot.