Reuters
Gelsenkirchen (Germany), Feb 19: Cristiano Ronaldo ended a three-game goal drought as holders Real Madrid won 2-0 at Schalke here Wednesday to take a big step towards the Champions League quarterfinals and equal the competition record with a 10th straight win.
The World Player of the Year headed in after 26 minutes for his 73rd Champions League goal with Real’s first chance and he set up Marcelo to make it seven wins for the Spanish side in seven Champions League games this season.
Real’s victory was nowhere near as emphatic as last season’s 6-1 romp at Schalke at the same stage of the competition but it was a much-needed confidence boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s team after a lacklustre start to the year in Spain.
“Anything can happen in the Champions League. We are humble and we know that to get through we have to work hard like we did today (Marcello),” Marcelo told Spanish television. “We have a two-goal advantage but the tie is not over.
The Germans fielded five defenders and were on the back foot from the start but coach Robert Di Matteo’s disciplined 5-3-2 system proved effective. Schalke gradually grew in confidence and created good chances for Dennis Aogo and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
But Ronaldo put Real ahead, ending his mini lean spell with a glancing header from Daniel Carvajal’s cross. Immediately after the goal, Schalke keeper Timon Wellenreuther, making his competition debut, did well to deny Karim Benzema and Ronaldo, parrying a curling free kick in the 34th.
“The quality made the difference,” Schalke coach Di Matteo said. “They have superb players and that is why they are the title holders.”