Cristiano Ronaldo has given Real Madrid a 1-0 half-time lead over Ajax in tonight's Champions League match at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Madrid attacked from the first whistle and the home side had goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer to thank for the scores remaining level.

Ronaldo was the first to be denied when his shot was smothered before the Dutchman pulled off a double save to keep out Kaka and Karim Benzema.

The hosts rarely threatened and it was Los Blancos who again came close midway through the half as Kaka's deflected drive was tipped away by Vermeer.

However, Madrid's pressure paid off just minutes before the half-time whistle when Ronaldo prodded home Benzema's cross.