Ronaldo helps Real equal record; Porto hold Basel

PARIS— Cristiano Ronaldo ended a rare three game goalscoring drought with the first goal in Real Madrid's record equalling 10th straight Champions League win on Wednesday beating Schalke 04 2- 0 in Germany.

The holders -- whose other goal came through Brazilian Marcelo in the second- half -- will fancy their chances of easing through to the quarter- finals when they meet in the second leg next month.

Real's victory -which fortunately for the hosts did not come near the 6- 1 hammering they took in last season's last 16 first leg encounter in Germany -- equalled Bayern Munich's record which was set back in December 2013.

"It's clear that Cristiano Ronaldo lives to score goals," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"It's not a problem for us if he doesn't score for a game or two but it's obvious that the goal did him good.

"It wasn't only a goal for the statistics. It was an important goal - the lead goal. At a key stage of the season it was important to win and I think we're on the right track."

Honours were even in the night's other game where the Swiss side Basel -- who have never reached the last eight of the Champions League in its present format -- were held 1- 1 by Portuguese side Porto, who won the competition in 2004.

Basel coach Paulo Sousa was delighted with his side's performance.

"I am really happy with this result as it was a very difficult match," said Sousa.

"With this result it still gives us every chance in Porto."