Real Madrid rounded off their Champions League Group A campaign with a home match against Swedish side Malmo on Tuesday evening.
The Spanish giants knew that they would finish as winners of the section regardless of the result at the Bernabeu, but a point for Malmo could have been enough to see them finish third ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk.
Real Madrid took a three-goal lead into the interval at the Bernabeu, however, following a double from Karim Benzema and a free kick from a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo completed his hat-trick in the space of three second-half minutes to make it five up for Los Blancos with still more than 40 minutes remaining, before the 30-year-old scored his fourth before the hour.
The hosts then made it 7-0 20 minutes from time when Mateo Kovacic swept home from inside the box, before Benzema completed his hat-trick for eight.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from the Bernabeu as Real Madrid welcome Malmo. The Spanish giants have already qualified from Group A as winners, but there is still plenty to play for this evening as Malmo attempt to finish above Shakhtar Donetsk in third and therefore continue their European journey this season. Let's hope for a good game tonight!
The reverse group match in September was the first time that these two teams had met in a competitive match. It was a straight-forward evening for Real Madrid, who collected all the points in Sweden courtesy of a double from Cristiano Ronaldo in a match where the Portuguese reached 500 goals for club and country. The victory also moved Real Madrid onto six points in Group A.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news from Madrid...
TEAMS:
REAL: Casilla; Danilo, Nacho, Pepe, Arbeloa; Casemiro, Kovacic, Isco; James, Benzema, Ronaldo
MALMO: To follow...
So there we have it. As expected, Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has made plenty of changes this evening, with the likes of Kiko Casilla, Alvaro Arbeloa, Casemiro, Mateo Kovacic and Isco all coming into the team. Gareth Bale is not involved, but both Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema start in a front three that also includes James Rodriguez. Five changes in total from the weekend!
UPDATED TEAMS:
REAL: Casilla; Danilo, Nacho, Pepe, Arbeloa; Casemiro, Kovacic, Isco; James, Benzema, Ronaldo
MALMO: Wiland; Tinnerholm, Arnason, Carvalho, Yotun; Rakip, Lewicki, Adu, Sana; Berget, Djurdjic
Malmo have released their XI, at last! It does appear that the visitors will line up in a 4-4-2 formation this evening, with Jo Inge Berget playing alongside Nikola Djurdjic in the final third. Enoch Kofi Adu is also given a spot in the middle of the park, while Kari Arnason will skipper the team in the absence of Markus Rosenberg. Magnus Wolff Eikrem is only on the bench, meanwhile.
So there we have it. The teams are in and we are now little over 40 minutes from kickoff at the Bernabeu. The result for Real Madrid tonight is of little importance in terms of their season, but the supporters will still be looking for a strong performance. With third spot in Group A also still open, Real Madrid have an obligation to the other teams to approach this game with the correct attitude.
Real Madrid opened their Group A campaign with a 4-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk, before beating Malmo 2-0 to move onto six points. They then took four points from the double-header with Paris Saint-Germain, before recording a 4-3 success at Shakhtar last time out to ensure that they would finish top of the group regardless of what happened on matchday six this evening.
PSG have also already qualified having taken 10 points from their five matches, but third-place Shakhtar and fourth-place Malmo both have three points. If Malmo can better Shakhtar's result against PSG tonight then the Swedish outfit will qualify for the knockout stage of the Europa League. If the pair finish level on points, however, Shakhtar would claim third on the head-to-head record.
Real Madrid, who are seeking their 11th European Cup, have won all three of their home group games in the past two campaigns, while they have been victorious in 19 of their last 22 Champions League games on home soil, which is the size of the task facing Malmo tonight. The fact that the pressure is off means that Los Blancos should be given freedom to just go and play tonight.
Since losing to Barcelona on November 21, Real Madrid have won their last four games in all competitions and will enter the match off the back of a 4-1 win over Getafe in the league last time out. For all the criticism of Benitez's team, they are only four points off La Liga leaders Barcelona and two points off second-place Atletico Madrid. Talk of a crisis has been a little premature to say the least!
Los Blancos have been expelled from this season's Copa del Rey, however, after fielding an ineligible player – Denis Cheryshev – against Cadiz in the first leg of their last-32 clash last week. The Spanish giants have appealed the ban, but it seems unlikely that the decision will be over-turned. Incidents of that nature simply cannot be allowed to happen at clubs like Real Madrid.
As for Malmo, tonight will be head coach Age Hareide's final game in charge of the Swedish outfit. The 62-year-old led the club to the Swedish title in 2014, but will leave his role as head coach at the end of December. Malmo finished their latest league campaign in October and despite winning two of their last three matches, they finished fifth in the table, which was a real disappointment.
Malmo are in their second successive season in the Champions League having made their debut in the 2014-15 campaign. They had to go through the early qualifying rounds to make the group stages this term, but being drawn into a section that included Real Madrid, PSG and Shakhtar was always going to be a challenge. The atmosphere is building as kickoff fast approaches in Madrid...
The Sky Blues opened their Group A campaign with a 2-0 defeat at PSG, before losing by the same scoreline at home to Real Madrid. They managed to beat Shakhtar 1-0 at home, but lost 4-0 away before being thumped 5-0 at home by PSG last time out. Another hiding here would make it a miserable end to the section for the 18-time Swedish champions. Can they cause a big shock? We shall see!
Malmo have only once before been drawn against Spanish opposition in Europe and that was back in the 1966-67 European Champion Clubs' Cup when they faced Real Madrid's big rivals. Atletico Madrid won both legs of the first-round match, triumphing 2-0 on the road before claiming a 3-1 win in Spain.
Wow...
PREDICTION! In truth, I am finding it very, very difficult to make a case for Malmo in Spain tonight. It is not Real Madrid's strongest XI, but the hosts have a formidable attack and I just cannot see the visitors keeping them out. I can actually see Los Blancos winning this game 4-0.
Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period in the Spanish capital. There is quite a relaxed atmosphere inside the stadium it must be said, but Real Madrid are expected to win every single football match that they play. The natives are calm, for the moment!
KICKOFF! Just a reminder that Real Madrid have already won Group A, but Malmo need to avoid defeat here and rely on PSG to beat Shakhtar if the visitors are to finish third in the group and secure a spot in the Europa League. Right, it is the away side that get the first period underway in Madrid...
... the Bernabeu is not quite full this evening, but there is a decent atmosphere as this match gathers pace in the early minutes. It has been a decent start from Malmo, who have managed to gain some ground down the right with Berget. An early Malmo goal would stir things up here!
Half-chance for Benzema as the Frenchman is released by Kroos into the Malmo box, but the striker's low effort was always comfortable for Wiland, who stopped low to make the save. Real Madrid have started to take control of the possession with James seeing plenty of the ball here.
In fairness to Malmo they have adopted an attacking style in the early moments here, but Real Madrid are in control of the possession. A searching pass from Danilo finds the head of Ronaldo just outside the Malmo box, but the Portuguese was in an offside position when the ball was played.
Danilo works the ball into Isco, who has space inside the Malmo box, but the Spaniard turns into trouble and Carvalho is across to make the challenge. The visitors then break down the other end, but are forced back rather than towards Casilla's goal. Pretty even opening seven minutes in Madrid.
Neither side has really come close to scoring in the opening 10 minutes and Malmo can be pleased with the way that they have started at the Bernabeu. There is no real urgency from Real Madrid as they work the ball across the field without really threatening to run in behind.
Ronaldo looks for the spectacular following a deep cross from Danilo, but the 30-year-old gets the bicycle-kick all wrong and Malmo have a corner. Still goalless with 11 minutes played here.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Malmo (Benzema)
Real Madrid make the breakthrough in the 12th minute of action as Benzema converts from close range after Isco had an effort blocked on the line. It was a super cross from Ronaldo in the build-up and Los Blancos have taken the lead in the Spanish capital. Poor defending from Malmo there!
Malmo would have wanted to get through the opening 15, 20 minutes without conceding, but you have to fear for them now as Real Madrid start to move through the gears. It must be said that Benzema has been in wonderful form this season, especially considering his injury problems.
Ronaldo is seeing plenty of the ball at the moment and Malmo do not look too secure at the back it must be said. Danilo collects a super switch before driving into the away side's box, but Carvalho is across to make the challenge. Malmo are under some serious pressure at the moment.
Adu takes a risk at the back as he attempts to pop a ball into midfield, but Ronaldo cannot gather and Malmo escape what looked to be a dangerous situation. The away side continue to move the ball well in the final third, but they have not come close to testing Casilla between the sticks here.
First half-chance for the away side as Yotun delivers a decent cross into Rakip, but the midfielder's effort was always moving over the crossbar. Better football from Malmo though.
Penalty shout for Real Madrid as Isco goes down inside the box under pressure from Tinnerholm, but the referee is not interested, much to the frustration of Ronaldo. Malmo work the ball down the other end as they sweep from left to right, but Adu cannot poke a pass into Djurdjic.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Malmo (Benzema)
Real Madrid double their lead and it is once again Benzema on the scoresheet. It is a very simple goal as Ronaldo delivers a cross from the left and the French striker loops his header over the Malmo goalkeeper. Benzema just cannot stop scoring at the moment. Real Madrid in firm control!
Malmo have actually played some nice stuff in the opening 27 minutes, but their lack of quality in the final third has been apparent. Real Madrid have a half-chance down the other end as Benzema sets up James outside the box, but his effort was always curling over the away side's crossbar.
CHANCE! Malmo just cannot seem to get the ball out of their own hand at the moment as Ronaldo, James and Benzema continue to combine in the final third. Ronaldo has a wonderful chance to make it 3-0 as he meets a super cross from Isco, but his flicked header is just wide!
Half-chance for Malmo to register as Lewicki finds space outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Down the other end, Wiland keeps out a Ronaldo drive.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Real Madrid are in complete control of matters in the Spanish capital. Malmo are easy on the eye, but lack that final bit of quality.
Arbeloa is released down the left for Real Madrid following another passing move, but the left-back cannot cross into a teammate and the danger is cleared. Malmo continue to play their football in the final third, but they have not yet seriously tested Casilla between the sticks.
CHANCE! Ronaldo has a wonderful chance to make it 3-0 after breaking into the Malmo box, but his powerful strike is saved by Wiland, before Yotun blocks a low strike from Casemiro.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Malmo (Ronaldo)
Real Madrid score their third of the evening as Ronaldo finds the back of the net from a free kick. It will have to go down as a goalkeeping error, however, with Wiland allowing the 30-year-old's strike to find the bottom corner. The stopper should have done much, much better there.
Real Madrid have another shout for a penalty as Danilo is blocked off inside the box, but the referee is not interested and Malmo manage to break. The attack comes to an end, however, when Casemiro comes across to challenge Djurdjic. Not long left in this first period here.
CHANCE! Ronaldo has a wonderful chance to make it 4-0 following a super run from Isco, but somehow the attacker fires over the crossbar from close range. It is an incredible miss!
Isco is flagged offside as Real Madrid continue to threaten here.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 3-0 Malmo
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Real Madrid leading 3-0 courtesy of a double from Benzema and a free kick from Ronaldo. Malmo have played some nice stuff in the final third, but the Swedish outfit have struggled for quality in the final third here.
STATS! Real Madrid have dominated the possession with 59%, while they have had 12 attempts - six of which were on target. Malmo, meanwhile, have managed only two attempts off target thus far. Surprisingly, there has not been a single yellow card thus far in Madrid.
BENCH WATCH! Real Madrid have the likes of Cheryshev, Jese, Kroos and Vasquez on their bench tonight and head coach Benitez might well look to rest some of his senior players in the second period. Malmo, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Kroon, Rodic and Eikrem.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. It is a damage limitation exercise for Malmo as the home side restart proceedings in the capital...
MALMO SUB! Rodic has replaced Djurdjic for the visitors here.
Shakhtar are actually still holding PSG to a 0-0 draw in Paris and it appears almost certain that the Ukrainian side will finish third in the section and secure a spot in the Europa League. Malmo would need to turn this game around for that not to occur and also hope that PSG win!
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-0 Malmo (Ronaldo)
Well, that did not take long. Real Madrid have their fourth of the evening here as Ronaldo converts from close range after Isco had an effort blocked straight into the forward's path. It is one of the easiest goals that Ronaldo has ever scored and that is his ninth in the group stages this season!
But hang on? I thought Ronaldo was finished? That is the view of some. Utter nonsense.
SAVE! Rodric makes an immediate impact for the away side as he hammers one from outside the box, but Casilla flies across his goal to make a fine save. Decent stop from the Spaniard!
GOAL! Real Madrid 5-0 Malmo (Ronaldo, hat-trick)
Another Champions League hat-trick for Ronaldo as the 30-year-old again sweeps home from inside the box after shifting the ball past two defenders. Deadly finishing once again there!
That is now 10 goals for Ronaldo in the group stages, which is a new Champions League record. Another record for the Portugal captain - he has pretty much every other one!
REAL MADRID SUB! Pepe is replaced by Marcelo.
Another half-chance for the home side as Danilo collects a pass from Isco before trying his luck, but Wiland is on hand to make a decent save. This could end up being eight or nine here.
CHANCE! More terrible defending from Malmo gives Benzema a chance to score his third of the match, but after collecting a throw-in, the striker spins and fires wide of the post!
GOAL! Real Madrid 6-0 Malmo (Ronaldo)
Good grief. Ronaldo has his fourth of the evening as the Portuguese has the simple task of turning a low Isco cross into the back of the net. Eleven goals in six group stages for Ronaldo now, which is just quite sensational. Still more than 30 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.
Stop it, Ron...
Real Madrid are just not letting up at the moment and you just get the feeling that Malmo would rather be anywhere else than here. They could well lose this by double figures in the capital.
MALMO SUB! Mehmeti replaces Sana for the away side.
REAL MADRID SUB! Jese Rodriguez replaces James Rodriguez.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Real Madrid are still threatening more goals here. Malmo manage to breakaway with Mehmeti, but Marcelo is across to clear his low ball.
Malmo have just managed to stem the flow of pressure in the last couple of minutes with a period of possession and they manage to force a corner when Rakip has a strike deflected wide of the post. The resulting corner is delivered by Yotun, but Casilla does enough to clear down-field.
GOAL! Real Madrid 7-0 Malmo (Kovacic)
Real Madrid make it 7-0 as Kovacic sweeps home from inside the box after Wiland had kept out a low effort from Jese. Not entirely sure what the blue shirts were doing inside the box.
Isco has a strike deflected wide of the post as Real Madrid break forward once again. You have to feel for Malmo, who are really struggling to get anywhere near the home side here.
GOAL! Real Madrid 8-0 Malmo (Benzema)
Eight for Real Madrid as Benzema finds all sorts of space inside the Malmo box before finishing into the bottom corner. Good goal, yes, but just terrible defending once again here.
REAL MADRID SUB! Kovacic is replaced by Denis Cheryshev.
MALMO SUB! Kroon is in for Rakip.
Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and Real Madrid are still going forward in search of a ninth goal here. Yes, ninth. It has been an incredible performance from the home team.
Danilo breaks down the right for Real Madrid before delivering a low cross into Isco, but his strike was always moving wide of the post. Malmo just have nothing left in their legs here.
It is almost like a training exercise for Real Madrid at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third. Los Blancos are really intent on making this at least nine tonight.
Casemiro tries to beat the Malmo goalkeeper from distance after spotting him off the line, but the Brazilian's effort drops wide of the post. So close to number nine for the home side here.
Jese has time and space inside the Malmo box, but the offside flag is raised and Malmo manage to survive another dangerous moment. We are entering the very final moments of this game.
Cheryshev fires one over the crossbar as Real Madrid break forward once again.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 8-0 Malmo
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Real Madrid running out 8-0 winners against Malmo, with Ronaldo and Benzema both scoring three times. What an incredible evening of football at the Bernabeu. Thanks for joining us - until next time!
