BY ANTHONY PALMER
Real Madrid became successive champions for the 5th time, despite their deficit of four away goals to Schalke. Their triumph to the next stage of the Champions League was impressive. Former Real forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored an 85th-minute strike that meant Schalke needed to progress on away goals. Real Madrid- champions’ 2-0 win in the first leg showed enough to see them through 5-4 on aggregate. The 30 year old forward, Cristiano Ronaldo had twice saved real in a poor first-half showing as his headers canceled out goals from Christian Fuchs and Huntelaar. Christiano Ronaldo two goals makes him the highest scorer in the European competition so far. Karim Benzema put Madrid ahead on the night shortly after halftime. Leroy Sane scored the epic equalizer for Schalke and Huntelaar’s great finish was setting the boys up for a great finish in the game.
Real Madrid were shockingly poor from the very start, and Schalke made sure he capitalized on this as they took the lead in the 20th minute. Tranquillo Barnetta’s curling cross from the right found Fuchs at the back post and his shot was too sharp and powerful for keeper- Iker Casillas.
Schalke’s fortune was only for a short time, as Madrid scored five minutes later when Toni Kroos’ out swinging corner was headed in by legend Ronaldo. Schalke were off course unfazed, and Huntelaar was desperately unlucky to see a magnificent 20-yard volley rebound off the crossbar before the Dutchman deservedly restored the Bundesliga outfit’s advantage short after. Meyer’s original shot was parried by Casillas and the 31 year old striker, Huntelaar continued to slam home the fortunate rebound.
Ronaldo scored again from Vila Do Conde born, Fabio Coentrao’s dynamic left-wing delivery just before the break. Could he make it a hat-trick?
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As Real Madrid moved ahead for the first time on the night courtesy of a good goal eight minutes after halftime, Benzema showed agile composure to beat a couple of defenders and rookie goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther before tucking into the daring yet unguarded goal. Schalke kept fighting as teenager Sane marked his European debut with an exceptionally determined left-footed effort that curled past Goalkeeper, Iker Casillas. Real was lucky to be victorious in this game as it could of easily weighed in Schalke’s favour!
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