Evening all! Our Champions League quarter-final coverage continues as Real Madrid welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Bernabeu for the first leg. Los Blancos will have revenge on their minds this evening after losing to Dortmund in the semi-finals of the competition last season. However, much has changed at both clubs since then. Right, the team news is already filtering through in the Spanish capital.

TEAM NEWS: No Marcelo or Angel di Maria in the Madrid XI this evening, with Fabio Coentrao and Isco both coming into the side. Iker Casillas also returns between the sticks, while the front three is as expected. Dortmund, meanwhile, are without the suspended Robert Lewandowski, but there are spots for Marco Reus and Kevin Grosskreutz in the XI. Full teams to follow.

So there we have it. No real surprises in the Madrid side this evening. Marcelo and Di Maria miss out through injury and illness respectively, with Isco preferred to Asier Illarramendi in central midfield. Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, has selected an attacking XI, with Aubameyang and Mhkitaryan joining Reus in attack.

In total, the two sides met four times last season in the Champions League, with Dortmund winning twice, Madrid picking up one win and the further match ending in a draw. The German side won the first group match 2-1 on their own patch, before picking up a 2-2 draw in the Bernabeu. They twice led in Madrid, but goals from Pepe and Mesut Ozil ensured that Madrid picked up a 2-2 draw in the group clash.

The first leg of last year's semi-final took place in Germany, with Dortmund 4-1 winners. All four of Dortmund's goals came from Lewandowski, but as mentioned, the Pole is absent this evening due to suspension. Los Blancos did win the second leg 2-0 with goals from Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos, but it was not enough as Dortmund progressed to Wembley, where they eventually lost to Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.

This is the fourth consecutive season that Madrid have reached the quarter-final stage of the Champions League, but they have lost in the semi-finals in each of their last three campaigns. Carlo Ancelotti has been tasked with securing a 10th European Cup this season and there is no question that Los Blancos are among the favourites to make the final next month. Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton, meanwhile, has made them strong favourites to overcome Dortmund over the two legs...

Madrid's overall record against German opposition is strong, meanwhile. The Spanish side have won 19 of their 25 matches with teams from the Bundesliga, losing just twice in the process. As it stands, the only German team to win at the Bernabeu is Bayern Munich, who triumphed in both 2000 and 2001.

Meanwhile, it is nearly three years since Madrid failed to score in a Champions League match – a run that stretches 33 matches. The Spanish outfit have also not been beaten in European competition since suffering that semi-final first-leg loss to Dortmund last season. Since then, they have won eight of their nine matches, scoring 31 times in the process.

Madrid, who are one of just two teams still unbeaten in the Champions League this season (the other being Atletico Madrid), also became the first team to score six times in a single knockout stage fixture when they beat Schalke 04 6-1 in the first leg of their last-16 clash last month. Their progress into the next round was ensured with a 3-1 victory in the return leg at the Bernabeu.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, is a four-time winner of the Champions League as a player and coach. His overall record against German opponents is won five, drawn one and lost four. Ancelotti can also call upon a stunning recent Champions League home record which has seen his side win each of their last six games, scoring 18 times and conceding just three.

It would not be right to speak of this match without mentioning a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese has scored 13 times in the competition this season, which is one short of the record currently held by Lionel Messi in the 2011/12 campaign. He has netted 34 times in his last 26 games in Champions League and 48 in 47 matches in total. Just a stunning record at this level.

In terms of Madrid's domestic form – they have lost two of their last three in the league. Defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico last month ended a run of 31 matches unbeaten, but they remain in the hunt for the La Liga title. As it stands, just three points separates them from leaders Atletico Madrid, who Barcelona trail by one point with just seven games remaining.

Dortmund, meanwhile, enter the match having lost six of their 11 visits to Spain in European competition, winning just one in the process. Their sole success was a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the group stages of the 1996/97 competition – a campaign which saw them lift the trophy for the first and only time.

The German side topped a group that included Napoli, Arsenal and Marseille and were paired with Zenit St Petersburg in the round of 16. They lost the second leg at home to the Russian outfit, but progressed 5-4 on aggregate to set up the tie with Los Blancos. However, it would be fair to state that they are not quite at the level that they were when the pair met last season.

That said, Dortmund have lost just one of their last five Champions League meetings with Los Blancos. The German outfit have also won their last three quarter-final ties in this competition, including victory over Spanish opposition in the shape of Malaga last season. That said, the loss of Lewandowski this evening is a big blow to their chances. The Pole has netted five times in four Champions League games against Madrid.

Klopp's side have been well off the record-breaking pace set by Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga this season, meanwhile. As it stands, Dortmund sit second in their domestic league, an incredible 23 points behind Bayern and just one point ahead of third-place Schalke 04, who as mentioned, were beaten 9-2 on aggregate by Madrid in the previous round. Little under 10 minutes until kickoff at the Bernabeu...

Dortmund also enter the match having lost two of their last five games in the league. Either side of their two-legged affair with Madrid, Klopp's side face Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich in the league in what is a key couple of weeks. It could yet be a successful season for Dortmund, but by the same margin, it could all go up in smoke with a couple of bad performances.

PREDICTION: Dortmund beat Madrid in the semi-finals last season, but this is not the same Dortmund team. Injuries and loss of form have harmed them in recent months, but Los Blancos have also stumbled in recent weeks. That said, I expect the home side to have far too much for Dortmund this evening and indeed over the two legs. My score prediction is 3-1 Madrid in the Spanish capital.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period at the Bernabeu. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium. It is vital that Dortmund start well. The Champions League tune erupts around this famous stadium, with both teams showing stern faces.

The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that Dortmund need to secure a positive result this evening to stand a chance of progressing into the next round. Plenty of big names on display in the Spanish capital, but who will produce? The away side get the first 45 minutes of action underway on this mild evening in Madrid.

Plenty of pressing from Dortmund in the opening couple of minutes with Reus chasing down a through pass from Sahin, but Pepe is across to clear the danger. Aubameyang drives a low cross into the Madrid box moments later, but Ramos clears. Positive start from the German outfit, as Los Blancos retreat to clear once more.

Los Blancos take the lead inside three minutes at the Bernabeu as Carvajal finds Bale, who drives into the box before poking his effort into the bottom corner. Perfect start from the Welshman in Madrid!

Well, it had been a positive start from Dortmund, but Madrid are now in control of the ball. You just get the feeling that Dortmund cannot afford to concede another in the next 10 minutes or so. Bale has another half-chance after meeting a bouncing ball inside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the keeper.

Possession football from the home side as Isco becomes involved in a sequence with Bale and Ronaldo, but Durm is across to clear at the vital moment. Dortmund attempt to break down the other end with Kehl, but Alonso clears the danger. The German outfit just cannot get out of their own half as the pressure continues.

Madrid have the ball in the back of the net once more through Bale, but this time the Welshman was in an offside position. Dortmund manage to force some possession in the Madrid half moments later, but Sahin cannot evade the challenge of Isco, who drives into the Dortmund half and finds Ronaldo once more. The opening 10 minutes of this European contest have just flown past, with Madrid leading 1-0.

SAVE! Ronaldo tries his luck from outside the box, but Weidenfeller is across to make the save. Dortmund just cannot live with the movement of Bale, Ronaldo and Benzema in the early stages.

Los Blancos have a free kick just outside the box as Kehl fells Modric, who had driven towards the Dortmund area. The resulting set piece is taken by Ronaldo, but Weidenfeller is across to make the save. The resulting corner is delivered towards Pepe, but Durm makes the clearance as Dortmund survive another attack.

Another half-chance for the home side as Ronaldo meets a cross from Coentrao, but Hummels is across to make the block. The resulting corner is delivered towards Pepe, but the danger is cleared to Isco, who curls his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Dortmund are coming under increasing pressure at the Bernabeu.

Madrid force the issue once more as Ronaldo slides a through pass towards Benzema, but Papastathopoulos is across to clear ahead of the Frenchman. The pressure continues with a corner from Isco, but Dortmund survive once more. That is what is happening at the moment - survival. Moments later, Reus picks up the first booking of the match for a late challenge on Coentrao.

Half-chance for Dortmund as Reus delivers a deep cross towards Grosskreutz, but Pepe is on hand to make the block at the vital moment. The Portuguese goes down with a problem moments later, however, which is a concern for Los Blancos. Still 1-0 Madrid with 20 minutes on the clock, but Dortmund are really struggling.

Sight of goal for Dortmund as Sahin strikes one from outside the box, but Casillas is on hand to make the save. Madrid break down the other end with Carvajal moments later, but Durm is across to make the clearance. Not too much to report in terms of chances, but the intensity remains high in the Spanish capital.

Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges, which is slowing the tempo of the match. Dortmund have started to enjoy more of the ball in the final third, with Durm driving towards Carvajal, but the danger is cleared once more by Pepe.

It is the Dortmund supporters that are making most of the noise with 27 minutes on the clock, but their side has struggled to create clear openings in the final third thus far. Dortmund do force a corner following a deep cross from Reus, but Ramos clears under pressure from Kehl, before Benzema carries the ball forward.

Los Blancos have their second after 27 minutes as Isco finds some space on the edge of the box before curling one into the bottom corner. Wonderful finish from the Spanish midfielder.

Dortmund are in deep trouble here - just 30 minutes into the first leg. Madrid will attempt to put this tie beyond the German side this evening and that certainly could occur. Dortmund just cannot get the ball at the moment as Pepe and Ramos continue to enjoy possession in defensive areas. Madrid lead 2-0 in Madrid.

CHANCE! Madrid have a free kick on the edge of the box as Kehl brings Bale to the ground and picks up a booking for his troubles. The resulting set piece is taken by Bale, but Weidenfeller is on hand to make a fine save. So close to 3-0, brilliant technique from Bale, who opened the scoring this evening.

CHANCE! Dortmund's best chance of the match falls to Grosskreutz as the midfielder carries possession to the edge of the Madrid box before striking on goal, but Casillas makes the save. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining at the Bernabeu. As it stands, the home side are in total control.

Better from Dortmund in terms of possession in the last few moments, but they are finding it difficult to really worry Madrid in the final third. Aubameyang attempts to combine with Reus in the final third, but once more the danger is cleared. Sahin looks for Reus moments later, but Ramos gets his body in the way once more.

Another half-chance for the home side as Carvajal combines with Bale before finding the head of Benzema inside the box, but his header is wide of the post. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining. Still Madrid lead 2-0 courtesy of goals from Bale and Isco, with Dortmund struggling to influence the game.

Another half-chance for the home side as Ramos drives down the right before finding Ronaldo, but the attacker cannot control at the vital moment and Durm is across to clear the danger. The resulting corner is delivered by Modric, but Kehl is on hand to clear the danger. Aubameyang attempts to break, but Pepe fells the forward.

Sight of goal for Dortmund as Aubameyang finds some space outside the box, but once more his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much from Madrid in the last couple of moments, but they are comfortable. Possession football from Los Blancos with 44 minutes on the clock in the Spanish capital.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Madrid leading 2-0 courtesy of strikes from Bale and Isco. Dortmund have had their moments in the final third, but have not really threatened Casillas in the Madrid goal. Comfortable half for the Spanish outfit at the Bernabeu.

STATISTICS: Madrid had 61% of the possession in the first period, while they had 13 attempts - 11 of which were on target. Dortmund, meanwhile, hit the target four times in their five attempts. There have been two bookings issued, meanwhile, with Reus and Kehl both in the book for Dortmund.

BENCH WATCH: Los Blancos are without a number of key players this evening through injury, but still have options on their bench in the shape of Alvaro Morata, Illarramendi and youngster Jose Rodriguez. Dortmund, meanwhile, have the likes of Hofmann, Jojic, Schieber in reserve. Plenty of quality on both benches and Jurgen Klopp might choose to alter proceedings at the interval.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that Dortmund need to score in the second 45 minutes if they are to have a chance in the second leg next week. Tonight's other Champions League quarter-final first leg between PSG and Chelsea, meanwhile, is 1-1 at the interval. Right, Madrid get the second half underway on this mild evening in the Spanish capital.

No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains 2-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Confident start to the second period from Madrid, who are in control of the possession.

Sight of goal for Madrid as Coentrao slides a through pass towards Benzema, but Durm is across to clear at the vital moment. Dortmund are down the other end with Sahin moments later, but Modric makes a fine block before finding Ronaldo, who is chopped down by Mkhitaryan. Bale has another half-chance in the next Madrid attack, but the Dortmund goalkeeper stands tall to make the save. End-to-end football.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Dortmund as Reus finds some space outside the Madrid box before sliding a pass to Aubameyang, but his effort is wide of the post. Poor from the forward. Dortmund can hurt Madrid this evening there is no question about that, but their finishing has to be better.

Possession football from Los Blancos in the last few moments, but Dortmund are more secure in defensive areas. One goal for the German outfit would hand them a real chance in the second leg next week.

CHANCES! Incredible chance for Madrid as Ronaldo drives down the right before putting it on a plate for Benzema, but Hummels is on hand to make a wonderful clearance at the vital moment. Dortmund are down the other end with Mkhitaryan moments later, but he fires wide from close range. End-to-end football!

Los Blancos have their third just before the hour mark as Modric finds Ronaldo, who drives into the Dortmund box before finishing from close range. That is his 14th goal in eight Champions League games this season.

Is that tie over?! Dortmund need a goal here there is no question about that. Madrid, as it stands, will take a three-goal lead to Germany next week and that would be extremely difficult to overcome.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Mkhitaryan as the midfielder meets a bouncing ball inside the Madrid box, but Pepe is on hand to make a stunning challenge at the vital moment. Brilliant defending.

CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Benzema as the Frenchman meets a loose ball inside the box, but Weidenfeller is on hand to make an incredible save from close range. What a period of this match!

SUB! Dortmund make their first change of the match as Hofmann enters the field in place of Mkhitaryan. Moments before, Dortmund wanted a penalty when Reus tumbled inside the box under pressure from Pepe, but the referee was not interested. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.

Another penalty shout for the away side as Hofmann goes down under pressure from Ramos, but the referee is not interested once more. Poor from the Dortmund sub. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Dortmund have started to force the issue in the final third.

SUB! Dortmund make their second change of the match as Schieber replaces Piszczek. Strong pressure from the German outfit as Reus strikes one from outside the box, but Coentrao makes the block.

Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the last few moments as Dortmund continue to enjoy possession in the final third. The rain continues to fall in the Spanish capital, meanwhile, which is making the tempo much quicker. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in this Champions League tie.

Another half-chance for the home side as Isco drives into the Dortmund half before finding Benzema, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Better from Los Blancos in the last couple of minutes. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in the latter stages at the Bernabeu.

SUB! Madrid look to their bench for the first time this evening as Isco is replaced by Illarramendi, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. As it stands, Los Blancos would be huge favourites to make the semi-finals ahead of the second leg in Germany next week.

SUB! Dortmund make their third and final change as Jojic replaces Kehl for the final 15 minutes of this Champions League contest. Still the German side force the issue through Reus, but the German international was ruled offside before bringing a fine save from Casillas.

SUB! Madrid make their second change of the match as Benzema is replaced by Morata, who scored in the previous round against Schalke. Little over 10 minutes of this European tie remaining.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Madrid have just managed to stem the Dortmund pressure, which had been building. Los Blancos remain such a threat on the counter, meanwhile, with the pace of Bale and Ronaldo. Can Dortmund secure what would be a vital away goal?

Appears to be a problem fo Ronaldo here as the Portuguese hits the ground in the middle of the pitch...

SUB! Madrid are indeed forced to look to their bench as Casemiro replaces Ronaldo, who limps off the field with little under 10 minutes remaining. It remains 3-0 Madrid in the Spanish capital.

Still the Dortmund fans sing their hearts out, but their side is running out of time in terms of this match and finding an away goal. Not too much from either side in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Is there to be late drama?

CHANCE! Wonderful work from Bale as the Welshman drives into the Dortmund box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort is just wide of the post. Brilliant from the Welshman.

Another half-chance for the away side as Aubameyang finds some space inside the Madrid box before curling one towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Dortmund threaten with a corner moments later, but Coentrao is on hand to clear the danger. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining in Madrid.

Another free kick for Madrid just outside the Dortmund box as Morata is felled by Grosskreutz, who is booked for his troubles. The resulting set piece is taken by Ramos, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much to report in terms of Dortmund pressure as the second period enters its latter stages.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Dortmund continue to threaten on the counter, but Pepe remains brilliant in clearing at the vital moment. Little over two minutes for the away side to force an away goal here.

Half-chance for the home side as Modric finds Morata with a wonderful pass, but Hummels is across to make a fine challenge. Dortmund break once more with Reus, but Pepe clears once more. It remains 3-0 Madrid.

So there we have it. Madrid score three times without reply to overcome Dortmund at the Bernabeu. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for all the reaction. In tonight's other Champions League clash, PSG have beaten Chelsea 3-1 in Paris. Good evening!