Paris: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as holders Real Madrid thrashed APOEL 6-0 in Cyprus to reach the Champions League last 16 in their group game Tuesday.
Zinedine Zidane’s men bounced back from their 1-3 loss at Tottenham Hotspur last time out by crushing APOEL, with four of the goals coming before half-time. “It was a very good evening for us,” said Zidane after the game. “We’re on the right track. We’re doing things well and we’re building in strength. It’s never easy but it was a complete display and we scored quickly.”
The record 12-time winners had to wait until the 23rd minute to take the lead through Luka Modric, but a run of five goals in 15 minutes either side of half time sent them through in style.
Karim Benzema put worries about his recent form to bed with a double either side of a Nacho effort, before Ronaldo got in on the act after the break.
The Portuguese climbed highest to power a header into the corner from an inviting Marcelo cross. And the 32-year-old, who has only scored once in eight La Liga appearances this season, scored his eighth Champions League goal this term with an excellent left-footed finish from a tight angle.
Lorenzo Insigne inspired Italian Serie A leaders Napoli to a 3-0 victory over Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk that kept their hopes alive in Group F.
Winger Insigne made the difference with a magnificent individual effort in the 56th minute, dancing past two defenders before curling into the top corner from 25 yards out.
Further late goals from Piotr Zielinski and Dries Mertens gave their goal difference a boost.
Meanwhile Turkish champions Besiktas reached the last 16 for the first time in 31 years, as a goal from Talisca secured a 1-1 draw with Porto in Istanbul to wrap up top spot in Group G.
Last season’s semifinalists Monaco however, were knocked out of the tournament after a woeful 1-4 home loss RB Leipzig.
The French champions fell behind through a Jemerson own goal and a Timo Werner brace, and although Radamel Falcao pulled one back, Naby Keita rounded off a stunning win that keeps Leipzig in the hunt.
