Real Madrid are in control of their last-16 Champions League match against Schalke 04 following a dominant first-half display.
The first 10 minutes failed to produce a decent chance, but Madrid soon brought the game to life with the opening goal.
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Gareth Bale found Cristiano Ronaldo after making his way to the box. The Ballon d'Or winner flicked it on to Karim Benzema, who made no mistake to notch his 19th goal in all competitions this season.
Schalke came roaring back at their opponents, however, and should have equalised just a minute after Benzema's goal.
Julian Draxler's close-range header was somehow kept out by Iker Casillas, and then Maximilian Meyer blasted over from the rebound.
Bale extended Madrid's lead with 21 minutes played, as the Welshman beat three defenders before finishing into the bottom corner.
The Spanish giants really should have made it 3-0 before the break, but Ronaldo's effort smashed off the inside of the post.
Schalke looked for a goal before half time, but Jefferson Farfan fired his effort high over the bar in what was a rare attack for the hosts.
Gary Peters
