Real Madrid are on course to secure first place in Group B after Cristiano Ronaldo gave Los Blancos a half-time lead in their Champions League clash with Basel.

In a quiet opening period, Paulo Sousa's men appeared to be happy to cede possession to the European champions while trying to find a way through on the counter-attack.

Derlis Gonzalez almost threaded a through-ball to perfection in the early minutes, but ex-Liverpool right-back Philipp Degen couldn't beat the offside trap.

The first attempt on target from either side came from Real when James Rodriguez's cross was met Gareth Bale's header, but keeper Tomas Vaclik was equal to the Welshman's effort.

Carlo Ancelotti's side appeared to settle into their stride and Ronaldo came close to giving the Spanish giants the lead when he was picked out by Karim Benzema before seeing his strike stopped by Vaclik.

Basel's best opportunity of the opening half-hour fell to Mohamed Elneny on the edge of the area, but his effort failed to test Real keeper Keylor Navas.

Los Blancos finally found a breakthrough late in the half when Benzema's pass found Ronaldo and the Portuguese star duly tucked the ball into the back of Vaclik's net.

Basel rallied moments before the interval as Gonzalez saw his shot saved by Navas when his strike seemed destined for the top corner.