Schalke 04 vs. Real Madrid, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Los Merengues win in a rout

It took inside a quarter of an hour for Real to open the scoring, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s flick from the edge of the area bounced off Felipe Santana, straight into the path of Karim Benzema. From there, there was only one outcome.

They should’ve scored several more before the break, with Ronaldo striking the post before twice being denied by the keeper in one-on-ones. Benzema too spurned a good opportunity; sliding wide after getting on the end of an excellent deep cross from Marcelo. It was only through good fortune that the hosts managed to keep the scoreline respectable.

Okay, yes, the defending is awful, but this is still an incredible run and finish. How does someone keep any control of the ball and hold off that many defenders in that situation?

It’s tough to see Schalke getting back in this tie. Even if they do score, Madrid aren’t likely to fail to advance at home with an away goal in their pocket.