Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has hit out at Schalke 04 over the 'catastrophic' state of the pitch in tonight's 2-0 Champions League win.

Goals in both halves from Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo helped the reigning champions place one foot in the quarter-final in the competition.

However, the German says that the margin of victory perhaps would have been greater if not for the playing surface at the Veltins Arena.

"It was difficult and that was partially down to the state of the pitch," Kroos told Sky Germany. "It should not be an excuse but the pitch was a catastrophe."

The second leg is scheduled to take place on March 10 at the Santiago Bernabeu.