Sergio Ramos: 'We have taken important step'

Sergio Ramos has claimed that Real Madrid have taken "an important step" after recording a 2-0 win over Roma in the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

An even first period saw neither team register a shot on target, but second-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jese Rodriguez saw Los Blancos claim a two-goal advantage in Rome.

"We're very happy with the individual work, but most of all the team's effort. We came out from the first minute with the plan of having the ball and we took an important step in the tie," Ramos told UEFA.com.

"During the break we decided that we were going to put an emphasis on having the ball. Cristiano Ronaldo's goal came at a crucial time."

Real Madrid will welcome Roma for the second leg at the Bernabeu on March 8.