Real given an almighty scare
RECORD: RONALDO BRACE TAKES HIM TO 78 GOALS
Dutchman Huntelaar scores twice against former side.
Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time leading goalscorer in European competitions as Real Madrid sneaked into the quarter-finals of the Champions League 5-4 on aggregate despite losing a seven-goal thriller 4-3 to Schalke last night.
The holders were given an almighty scare as Schalke twice took the lead in the firsthalf through Christian Fuchs and Klass-Jan Huntelaar.
Ronaldo twice responded with textbook headers to take his tally in European competitions to 78 and surpass former Real and Schalke legend Raul.
Karim Benzema then put the hosts in front on the night early in the second-half, but Schalke earned a fully merited win thanks to further strikes from Leroy Sande and Huntelaar.
Real came into the game unbeaten in 21 Champions League games at the Bernabeu.
Despite their 2- 0 deficit from the first-leg Schalke started brightly.
The visitors did go in front on 20 minutes when Tranquillo Barnetta’s cross found its way through to Fuchs and the Austrian’s drive had too much power for Iker Casillas.
Madrid responded to that shock just five minutes later when Ronaldo rose highest to power home Toni Kroos’s corner.
However, the chances continued to flow for Schalke as Huntelaar nearly capitalised on a short pass back by Raphael Varane and then struck the crossbar with a spectacular volley.
The former Madrid striker did find the net at the third time of asking in quick succession as he pounced after Casillas could only parry Meyer’s low effort.
Again the lead only lasted five minutes as right on the stroke of half-time Ronaldo headed home his historic goal.
The holders finally looked to have put their place in the last eight beyond any doubt eight minutes after the break when Benzema showed his composure in front of goal to leave Timon Wellenreuther on the floor before slotting home.
Yet, Schalke refused to lie down and were back in the game just before the hour mark when some more atrocious defending by Madrid allowed 19-year-old substitute Sane plenty of space to curl into the far corner.
Another defensive lapse allowed Huntelaar in behind the Madrid defence once more six minutes from time and he fired a stunning finish in off the underside of the bar. – AFP