News
MAR 10.03.2015
Real Madrid were beaten 3-4 by FC Schalke 04 in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, in an encounter filled with goals and excitement. Despite losing, the 0-2 win from the first leg ensured that los blancos became the first Spanish side to secure their quarter-final place in the competition this season.
The Germans drew first blood by taking the initial lead through Christian Fuchs in the 20th minute. However, Cristiano Ronaldo pulled one back shortly afterwards by heading home a Toni Kroos corner to make it all square in the Santiago Bernabéu. Far from letting their heads drop, the visitors continued to dig deep in order to reach the quarter-finals and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar injected life into the match once again by making it 1-2. Just as Carlo Ancelotti’s men looked to be at their most vulnerable, up popped Cristiano to make it 2-2 with yet another header.
Following the restart, it was Karim Benzema’s turn to shine. The Frenchman dribbled past two defenders in the Schalke box before finishing off with ease in front of the Real Madrid supporters. With a three aggregate goals separating the teams, Schalke still refused to throw in the towel, and with girt and determination managed to narrow the gap with two top-class goals: the first came from the boot of young gun Leroy Sané while the second was a thunder bolt of a strike from Huntelaar, which Iker Casillas was powerless to stop. Despite the German outfit’s valiant efforts, the game finished 3-4 and Madrid edged it out over a courageous and dogged opponent.
In Tuesday’s other game, FC Porto beat FC Basel 1893 4-0, a result that swung the tie back in the Portuguese side’s favour. With regards to the other Spanish teams that remain in the competition, Atlético Madrid will be looking to turn their 1-0 deficit from the first leg against Bayer 04 Leverkusen around on Tuesday 17 March, while FC Barcelona will take a 1-2 lead into their second leg clash with Manchester City in the Camp Nou on Wednesday 18 March.
© LALIGA - 2015