The second leg of the last-16 Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Schalke 04 took place at the Bernabeu this evening.
Los Blancos entered the match as the firm favourites to advance into the quarter-finals following a 6-1 win when the pair met in the first leg last month.
Cristiano Ronaldo made it 1-0 on the night after 21 minutes, but Tim Hoogland levelled for the visitors just past the half-hour mark. Madrid emerged victorious on the night, however, following second-half goals from Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Champions League last-16 coverage resumes this evening as Real Madrid welcome Schalke 04 to the Bernabeu for the second leg. Last month's reverse match was surprisingly the first time that the pair have met in a competitive fixture, but Schalke will not have fond memories following a heavy defeat.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: As Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Monday – Cristiano Ronaldo, Alvaro Morata and Jese Rodriguez are the front three for the home side this evening. Nacho and Isco also start in a much-changed XI. Schalke, meanwhile, have former Madrid forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar leading their line. Highly-rated pair Julian Draxler and Max Meyer are also in the team. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
MADRID: Casillas; Nacho, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao; Illarramendi, Alonso, Isco; Ronaldo, Morata, Jese
SCHALKE: Fahrmann; Hoogland, Howedes, Matip, Kolasinac; Ayhan, Neustadter; Obasi, Meyer, Draxler; Huntelaar
So there we have it. No Karim Benzema in the Los Blancos squad, but Gareth Bale is on the bench. There are starts, however, for Nacho, Raphael Varane, Illarramendi, Isco, Morata and Jese. Schalke boss Jens Keller has named an attacking XI with Chinedu Obasi coming into the side. Experienced defender Benedikt Howedes also starts. One thing is for certain - the visitors are set up to have a go at Madrid this evening.
Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema all scored twice for Madrid in the 6-1 win in the first leg in Germany, while Huntelaar netted a late consolation. In truth, only a minor miracle will prevent Madrid from progressing into the quarter-finals of the competition, with the draw for the last eight due to take place on Friday morning.
The home side have reached the last-16 stage of the competition in each of the last 11 seasons, while they have also appeared in the final eight in the last three seasons. Los Blancos are also comfortably the highest scorers in the competition in 2013/14 with their six strikes against Schalke taking their tally to 29 goals - 11 of which have come from Ronaldo, who starts in a three-pronged attack this evening.
Saturday's La Liga win over Malaga extended Madrid's unbeaten run in all competitions to 30 games. Incredibly, they have not been beaten since losing 2-1 to Barcelona in the league at the end of October 2013. That run of form has seen them advance into the final of the Copa del Rey and to the top of La Liga, where they currently sit three points clear of second-place Atletico Madrid and four clear of Barcelona.
What's more, Madrid have won their last 16 home games in all competitions and conceded just twice on their own patch in 2014. It is not too difficult to realise why they have scored an abundance of goals, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti has also tightened up their defence this season.
Los Blancos have also scored in each of their last 32 European matches, which is the longest run in the history of the competition. As touched upon, Ronaldo has 11 strikes in the Champions League this season and 32 in his last 25 matches in this competition. What can be said about that record? It is just incredible.
Madrid have lost only twice on the 25 occasions that they have welcomed German sides to the Spanish capital, winning 19 times in the process. Last season they overcame Schalke's domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in Spain, but exited on aggregate as Dortmund contested the final against the eventual winners Bayern Munich.
As it stands, Bayern Munich are the only Bundesliga side to have won at the Bernabeu, with that victory arriving in the group stages of the 1999/2000 campaign. Bayern also faced Madrid in the 2011/12 campaign, but lost 2-1 in this stadium. In truth, even if the score was 0-0 on aggregate, it would still be an incredibly tough ask for Schalke this evening. That said, they will still want to put on a strong display.
Overall, Madrid have lost just one of the 28 European knockout ties in which they won the first leg away from home. The only blot during that run of form came in the 1994/95 UEFA Cup third round, when Danish outfit Odense BK secured a 2-0 win at the Bernabeu. How's that for a quiz question?
Schalke booked their spot in this stage of the competition by finishing second in Group E behind Chelsea. They won just three of their six matches, drawing once and losing twice in the process. Incredibly, they scored just six times and needed a 2-0 win over Basel on Matchday six to set up the clash with Madrid.
Schalke have lost just twice in 2014 – last month's first leg against Madrid and a 5-1 drubbing at Bayern Munich in the league – but they have won just two of their last 14 encounters with Spanish opposition, suffering seven defeats in the process. Not exactly a run of form that will hand them confidence!
In their 12 away games against La Liga clubs, Schalke have won two, drawn five and lost five. They have not won in Spain since a 3-0 victory over Espanyol in the last-32 stage of the UEFA Cup, while they have also lost all three knockout ties in which they suffered defeat at home in the first leg.
It has been a successful period for Schalke in Europe with the German outfit reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League for the third time in the last four seasons. Last season they were knocked out by Turkish outfit Galatasaray, but they beat Spanish opposition in the shape of Valencia at this stage of the 2010/11 competition. This evening, they will want to avoid a new Champions League record...
It is not all doom and gloom for Schalke, however. The German outfit have lost just two of their last 14 European matches on the road, while a strong run of form in the Bundesliga has moved them into third position in the table, just one point behind second-place Borussia Dortmund.
Here's a word from Schalke boss Keller ahead of the match: "It is the Champions League and it is last 16. We are already eliminated by a bad result in the first leg, but it is a great experience for the players to play here. It is a step forward in the players' development and we will try to have a better result than in the first leg. We have a young team and this match can be a great learning experience for them."
PREDICTION: In truth, this tie is over as a contest. However, Schalke will be keen to secure a positive result at the Bernabeu. Los Blancos have a much-changed XI on the field this evening, but I still think that they have enough to secure a victory. My score prediction is 3-1 Real Madrid on the night.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch inside this wonderful stadium. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get the action underway. Let's hope for an entertaining contest. In many ways, Schalke have nothing to lose this evening.
Schalke sold out their ticket allocation for this evening and some 4,000 Germans are creating a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Not quite a full Bernabeu, but there is a feel-good atmosphere in Madrid. Can Schalke secure a positive result in the second leg? The home side get the first 45 minutes underway.
Just a reminder that Schalke need at least six goals if they are to advance into the quarter-finals. Even 5-0 would not be enough due to Madrid's six in the first leg. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the middle of the park with Alonso and Illarramendi seeing plenty of the ball.
The first free kick of the evening is awarded to the home side as Matip clashes with Jese, who lands on his knee. It does not look too clever for the Spaniard, who might not be able to continue this evening. The would not be good news for Los Blancos ahead of the Clasico at the weekend. Stoppage in play at the Bernabeu.
Jese is currently leaving the pitch on a stretcher, which is extremely worrying. It appears that the youngster landed on his knee following the challenge from Matip. The resulting free kick is finally delivered by Alonso, but Matip is on hand to clear the danger. The home side are preparing to make a change here.
Hang on - Jese is back on his feet! How has that happened? The Spaniard now looks likely to return to the field despite leaving on a stretcher. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening seven minutes, but the home side have been in control of the possession in forward areas. Still goalless in Madrid.
Possession football from Schalke in the last couple of moments with Meyer and Draxler both enjoying the ball in forward areas. Huntelaar finally has a strike on goal, but Casillas is on hand to make the save. Moments later, the change is made by the home side as Bale replaces Jese, who heads straight down the tunnel.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking moments in the last couple of minutes, with the early injury to Jese quelling the early atmosphere that had been building. It is almost like a pre-season match as Los Blancos continue to control the tempo. Ronaldo looks for Bale moments later, but it runs out for a goal kick.
It is the Schalke supporters that can be heard with 14 minutes on the clock. Around 3,000 turned up to watch their team train on Monday and that support has continued this evening. Still not too much for either set of fans to get excited about, however, with a series of free kicks interrupting the flow of proceedings.
Bright work from Obasi on the edge of the box as the Schalke attacker turns past Coentrao before delivering into the area, but Ramos is on hand to clear. Los Blancos are down the other end with Ronaldo moments later, but the Portuguese cannot find Morata under pressure from Kolasinac. Still goalless with 16 minutes played.
CHANCE! First real chance for the home side as Alonso delivers a wonderful free kick towards the far post, Ramos rises above everyone, but his header is high of the crossbar. Just a few signs that Madrid are starting to raise their tempo with Morata and Isco more involved in the final third.
Again it is bright work from Morata as the Madrid forward finds some space on the left before delivering towards Ronaldo, but Howedes is on hand to clear the danger. Morata threatens to meet a deep cross from Nacho moments later, but Matip clears with a header. Moments later, Varane heads over from a Coentrao long ball.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Schalke (Ronaldo)
The home side open the scoring with 21 minutes on the clock as Morata finds Bale, whose low cross is turned into the back of the net by Ronaldo for his 12th goal in the Champions League this season. Brilliant.
Bale now has 14 assists for the season - a wonderful return in his first season in Spain. Not too much from Schalke in the opening 24 minutes as the home side continue to dominate the ball in the final third. Just a reminder that the visitors now need to score six times to take this tie into extra-time. Possible? No.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ronaldo finds some space inside the box before rolling a low cross towards Isco, but Fahrmann is on hand to collect at the vital moment. Schalke are down the other end with Draxler moments later, but the German international runs out of support before Ramos clears the danger.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Madrid to score their second as Bale shows his incredible pace to burst beyond Matip before putting it on a plate for Morata, but the Spaniard turns wide from close range. Bale has been electric since entering the field as an early sub for the injured Jese.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Schalke (Hoogland)
Schalke level on the night as Hoogland finds some space outside the box before finding the bottom corner, albeit via a big deflection off Ramos. Casillas could only watch the ball drop into the corner.
CHANCE! Isco comes close to scoring for the home side as the Spaniard collects a pass from Bale before bending one towards the top corner, but Fahrmann is on hand to make a smart save. The resulting corner is met by Ramos, but it moves wide of the post. Little over 10 minutes of the first half to play.
CHANCE! Another chance for the home side as Morata finds himself unmarked inside the Schalke box following bright work from Ronaldo, but the Schalke stopper is out to save once more. Plenty happening at the moment with the match flowing from end-to-end in the Spanish capital.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with both sides guilty of a number of loose passes in the final third. Schalke will be content with their first-half performance, but Ancelotti will surely ask for more in the second period. Little over five minutes to play in the first half at the Bernabeu.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Meyer slides in Huntelaar, who rolls his effort under the body of Casillas, but it just moves wide of the post. Incredible opportunity for Schalke.
According to Sky Sports News, Jese suffered a "serious injury" in the earlier challenge with Matip. That is not good news for Los Blancos or the attacker's chances of making the Spain squad for the World Cup. On the pitch, Huntelaar has another shooting chance, but his effort whistles wide of the post.
Another half-chance for the away side as Obasi finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. It remains 1-1 in the latter stages of the first period. Schalke will surely be the more content with events on the field thus far.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Schalke in the latter stages of the half as Draxler drives into the Madrid box, but Nacho is across to make a fine challenge. It falls to Huntelaar, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar as the half-time whistle is blown.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 1-1 Schalke
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1 on the night. Ronaldo opened the scoring for the home team after 21 minutes, but Hoogland's deflected effort just past the half-hour mark levelled the scores. Overall, it has been an entertaining half in Madrid.
STATISTICS: Madrid have had more of the ball with 56%, while they have had nine attempts, six of which have been on target. Schalke have had their moments, however, with the German side hitting the target three times from their eight attempts.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have already been forced into one change this evening with Bale replacing Jese in the early stages. However, they still have the likes of Angel di Maria and Casemiro in reserve. Schalke, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Boateng, Max and Szalai.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. In tonight's other Champions League last-16 clash, Chelsea currently lead Galatasaray 2-0 at home (3-1 on aggregate). Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes underway. Can the visitors secure a famous result in Spain?
One change for the home side at the interval as Brazilian midfielder Casemiro enters the field in place of Alonso, which is not much of a surprise with the Clasico to come at the weekend. Schalke, meanwhile, have withdrawn Huntelaar, with Szalai entering the field in place of the Dutchman, which is a surprise.
Early free kick for the home side as Coentrao is felled by Ayhan. The resulting set piece is delivered by Isco, but Matip is on hand to clear the danger. Still the Schalke supporters make their voices known as their side break forward with Obasi. Plenty for their fans to be positive about in the opening 50 minutes.
Schalke have a free kick of their own moments later as Coentrao fells Obasi on the edge of the box. Draxler chips into the area, but Morata is on hand to clear for a corner. Strong period of pressure from the away side in the early stages of the second period as they keep the ball alive inside the Madrid box.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ronaldo to score his second of the night as the attacker meets a header from Ramos, but Fahrmann is on hand to make a brilliant reflex save. It should be 2-1 on the night.
PENALTY SHOUT! Madrid want a penalty as Howedes appears to fell Morata inside the box, but the referee is not interested. For me, it should have been a spot kick. Not too much from Schalke in the last couple of minutes as the home side continue to dominate possession of the ball in the final third.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Ronaldo finds some space inside the box before checking inside and finding Isco, but Fahrmann is out to make a fine save. The Schalke goalkeeper has been brilliant this evening there is no question about that. Little over 30 minutes of action remaining.
Schalke make their second change of the match as their skipper Howedes leaves the field with an injury. His replacement is Papadopoulos, who is just 22. Still the Schalke supporters create a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in this European tie.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Illarramendi as the Madrid midfielder pulls Draxler to the ground. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments as Madrid continue to keep possession of the ball. Schalke, however, remain a threat on the counter with their pace and movement.
Half-chance for Schalke as Neustadter finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Bale is down the other end moments later and gains a corner from Matip, but Varane cannot beat Hoogland in the air. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
Opportunity for Madrid to threaten from a free kick as Szalai fells Ramos just outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Ronaldo, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. It might have been heading into the top corner. The resulting corner is delivered by Isco, but Fahrmann is on hand to punch clear.
Bale continues to impress for the home side as he meets a long pass from Ramos before flicking towards Morata, but the offside flag is raised. Schalke are down the other end with Obasi moments later, but the Nigerian cannot move past the challenge of Varane. It remains 1-1 on the night at the Bernabeu.
Madrid make their third and final change of the match as Carvajal enters the field in place of Ramos, which is not much of a surprise ahead of the Clasico at the weekend. That means that Ronaldo will complete the 90 minutes as he looks for his 13th Champions League goal of the campaign. Can Schalke force a late winner?
End-to-end football in the last few moments with both sides forcing the issue in the final third. I would be surprised if there was not a late winner in this match. In terms of the tie, Schalke still need to score five more times to take this into extra-time. I suspect that will not occur, but you never know!
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-1 Schalke (Ronaldo)
Ronaldo make it 2-1 on the night as the Madrid attacker drives into the Schalke box before firing into the bottom corner for his 41st goal of the season. Once more, just sensational from the Portuguese.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-1 Schalke (Morata)
The home side have their third of the evening as Morata converts from inside the box after Ronaldo had rattled the crossbar. Finally the Spaniard has his goal! Madrid are running riot.
Schalke have had their moments this evening, but Madrid have been playing in second gear. If they had been at full throttle, it might have been more comprehensive. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the away supporters remain in such wonderful voice.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Draxler finds some space inside the Madrid box, but Casillas is on hand to make a fine save. Down the other end, Bale drives towards the Schalke box, but Papadopoulos gains a booking for felling the Welshman just outside the area.
Schalke make their third and final change as Annan enters the field in place of Ayhan. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals at the Bernabeu as both sides continue to force numbers into the final third. Little over five minutes of football remaining as Bale turns wide from a Morata cross.
POST! Ronaldo comes close to netting his third of the evening after breaking into the Schalke box, but his low effort smashes the foot of the post. The Portuguese hangs his head.
CHANCE! Another chance for the home side as Isco finds some space inside the Schalke box, but he fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. This might have been another 6-1 this evening.
Possession football from the home side in the last couple of moments as they keep hold of the ball in the Schalke box. It has been tough on the German outfit, whose supporters continue to sing their hearts out. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in the Spanish capital.
The referee indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. It has been another impressive performance from an under-strength Madrid XI. Just a reminder that next up for Los Blancos is the Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday evening.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 3-1 Schalke
So there we have it. Madrid advance into the quarter-finals with an aggregate score of 9-2. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around the site for all the reaction. Good evening from the Bernabeu!
