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Schalke
Champions League | Round-Of-16
Feb 18, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Real Madrid logo

0-2

FT(HT: 0-1)
Ronaldo (26'), Marcelo (79')

Player Ratings: Schalke 0-2 Real Madrid

Sports Mole takes a look at how each individual player performed during Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Schalke in their Champions League last-16 first leg.

Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win over Schalke 04 in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for the visitors, before Marcelo netted late in the second period.

Los Blancos have now won their last 10 games in this competition.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed in Germany.


Schalke's midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng celebrates after they scored during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Schalke 04 v Borussia Moenchengladbach in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany on February 6, 2015© Getty Images

SCHALKE 04

Goal

Timon Wellenreuther: Teenage stopper had a fine game on his Champions League debut. Made some super saves throughout the match and also looked confident from crosses and indeed in possession. (7/10)

Defence

Atsuto Uchida: Set up Schalke's best chance in the second period after finding Felix Platte with a deft touch, but was not seen on too many occasions in the final third of the field. (6/10)

Benedikt Howedes: Had a difficult match at the heart of the back four. Made some decent challenges, but conceded possession on far too many occasions in dangerous areas. (5/10)

Joel Matip: Will feel that he should have done better for Real Madrid's first of the night, but the centre-back recovered from that blow to produce a strong second-half performance. (6/10)

Matija Nastasic: Like Howedes, he gave the ball away on a number of occasions. There were also times when the on-loan Manchester City defender was too far away from his fellow centre-backs. (5/10)

Dennis Aogo: Might be disappointed with his part in Real Madrid's first goal, but the full-back proved a threat in the final third when he was able to venture forward. (6/10)

Midfield

Marco Hoger: Showed flashes of his talent in the second period, but did not really see enough of the ball. Departed for Max Meyer with little under 10 minutes remaining. (6/10)

Kevin-Prince Boateng: Really struggled to make his mark. Had a couple of long-range attempts, but did not test Iker Casillas on a disappointing night for the Ghanaian. (5/10)

Roman Neustadter: Departed just before the hour on what was a difficult night for the midfielder. Never really got into the match in a central area. (5/10)

Attack

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: Looked really bright in the early moments - bringing a fine save from Casillas. However, the Dutchman was forced to depart with an injury after just 33 minutes. (6/10)

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: Showed bits and pieces during Schalke's positive spells, but the forward lacked an end product. Never short in the work-rate department though. (6/10)

Substitutes

Felix Platte: Replaced Huntelaar in the first period and was probably his side's best player on the night. Rattled the crossbar in the second half and always looked capable of making something happen. (7/10)

Jan Kirchoff: Entered proceedings just before the hour, but struggled to pick up the pace of the match. Was also booked for a late challenge on Dani Carvajal. (5/10)

Max Meyer: Given the final 10 minutes, but struggled to make his mark. (5/10)


Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the last sixteen, first-leg UEFA Champions League football match against Schalke on February 18, 2015© Getty Images

REAL MADRID

Goal

Iker Casillas: Did not have too much to do, but made a couple of smart saves when he was called upon. Has really rediscovered his best form this season. (6/10)

Defence

Dani Carvajal: Set up Ronaldo with a super cross for his side's first of the match, while he was a constant threat down the right before departing with a slight injury 10 minutes from time. (7/10)

Pepe: Had a really good match on his return from injury. Snuffed out the majority of Schalke's attacks and was extremely calm and composed in possession of the ball. (8/10)

Raphael Varane: Now enjoying a regular run in the Real Madrid team and his performances are justifying his selection. Brings an air of calm to the defence. (7/10)

Marcelo: Caused Schalke a host of problems in wide areas and got his reward late on when he collected a pass from Ronaldo before thumping one into the top corner. (8/10)

Midfield

Lucas Silva: Can be delighted with his performance on what was his first start for the club. Nice and tidy in possession of the ball and stuck to his position throughout the 90 minutes. (7/10)

Isco: Set up a couple of excellent chances in the second period on what was another impressive night for the Spaniard. Radiated class each time he was in possession of the ball. (7/10)

Toni Kroos: Another strong display from the German, who never seems to have a bad match. Delivered some dangerous set pieces and was always in control of the midfield battle. (7/10)

Attack

Gareth Bale: Like Ronaldo, Bale has faced some criticism in recent weeks, but the Welshman had a strong game here. Always looked capable of making something happen in the final third. (7/10)

Karim Benzema: Pulled out of training on Tuesday with illness and looked to be suffering. Had a couple of chances, but it never really happened for the Frenchman. (6/10)

Cristiano Ronaldo: Answered his critics with an excellent header in the first period, before setting up Marcelo for his side's second late on. Proved a point in Germany. (8/10)

Substitutes

Javier Hernandez: Replaced Benzema after 78 minutes, but hardly touched the ball on what was a disappointing cameo. Has really struggled for minutes all season. (5/10)

Alvaro Arbeloa: Entered the field after 82 minutes in place of the injured Carvajal and the Spaniard slotted effortlessly into the right-back position for the final stages. (5/10)

Asier Illarramendi: Like Hernandez, the midfielder was not really involved during his five-minute cameo late on. Will have been disappointed not to start ahead of January signing Lucas Silva. (5/10)


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Real Madrid's Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti (R) and Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Marcelo celebrate after Marcelo scored during the last sixteen, first-leg UEFA Champions League match against Schalke on February 18, 2015
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Match Analysis: Schalke 0-2 Real Madrid
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