Schalke 04 welcomed Real Madrid to Germany for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on Wednesday.
The visitors led 1-0 at the interval courtesy of a header from Ballon d'Or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Schalke had some bright moments in the second period, but Real Madrid scored again late on through Marcelo to secure a two-goal advantage ahead of the second leg next month.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
6.46pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League last-16 coverage continues from Germany as Schalke 04 welcome Real Madrid. Nothing will be decided tonight, with the second leg to come next month, but Real Madrid will certainly have fond memories of their last trip to this particular stadium.
6.47pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news.
6.50pmTEAMS
SCHALKE: Wellenreuther; Uchida, Howedes, Matip, Nastasic, Aogo; Neustadter, Hoger, Boateng; Choupo-Moting, Huntelaar
REAL: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo; Silva, Kroos, Isco; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
6.53pmSo there we have it. It appears that Schalke will line up with a five-man defence this evening, with skipper Benedikt Howedes joined by Joel Matip and on-loan Manchester City's Matija Nastasic at centre-back. Experienced Dutch forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will lead the line for the German side, while there is also a spot in the team for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. Kevin-Price Boateng is also in the XI.
6.56pmThe big news for Real Madrid is that Brazilian midfielder Lucas Silva comes into the team for his Champions League debut on what is also his first start for the club. Karim Benzema has also been included despite concerns that the Frenchman would miss out through illness. Pepe has also returned at centre-back, but James Rodriguez and Sergio Ramos both miss out for the holders tonight.
6.59pmLast season's two-legged affair at the last-16 stage was the first time that Schalke and Real Madrid had met in European competition. It is just short of a year since Real Madrid made the trip to this stadium for the first leg and it was an incredible night of football, with the Spanish side winning 6-1 on the night.
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7.02pmReal Madrid's six goals in that particular match made them the first team to score six away goals in the knockout stages of the Champions League. In truth, the tie was finished after the clash in Germany, but Real Madrid also won the second leg 3-1 to emerge 9-2 winners on aggregate. Will it be so comprehensive once again? The atmosphere is already building inside this wonderful stadium.
7.05pmThis is the 18th consecutive season that Real Madrid have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League – which is the longest run in the history of the competition. Incredibly, they have also reached at least the semi-finals in each of the last four seasons. Of course, they are also the defending champions having beaten their great rivals Atletico Madrid in last year's final to win their 10th European Cup.
7.08pmSchalke's recent record in the Champions League, however, is also impressive. The German side have reached the knockout stage of the competition four times in the last five seasons. Indeed, only Bayern Munich have done better among Bundesliga clubs during that run. They have previous at this stage.
7.11pmThat said, Schalke have only won two of their last 15 encounters against Spanish opponents – losing eight times in the process. They have also faced Spanish opposition in European knockout ties in three of the last four years. In 2011, they eliminated Valencia in the last-16 stage of the Champions League, but went out to Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals one year later.
7.14pmSchalke's recent home form in Europe has been a little mixed, meanwhile, winning 10 of their last 21 matches, suffering six defeats in the process. Their best ever campaign in the Champions League came in the 2010/11 season, when they reached the semi-finals before losing to Manchester United.
7.17pmIn terms of how they made this particular stage of the competition, Di Matteo's side finished second to Chelsea in Group G. The German outfit won just two of their six matches and conceded 14 times, but finished one point ahead of Sporting Lisbon after winning 1-0 away to Maribor on matchday six.
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7.20pmReal Madrid, meanwhile, absolutely breezed through the group stages. Carlo Ancelotti's side won all six of their group matches – scoring 16 times in the process and conceding just twice. They finished some 11 points clear of second-place Basel in a group that saw English side Liverpool finish in third position.
7.23pmDespite Real Madrid's standing as one of the favourites to retain the trophy, the Spanish side have actually only won on three of their 27 trips to Germany in European competition. Two of those victories came last season, however, including of course, a thumping 6-1 win in this stadium. Sorry Schalke fans!
7.26pmReal Madrid also won 4-0 at Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the competition last season. What's more, Ancelotti's side are currently on a nine-match winning streak in the Champions League – scoring 25 times in the process and conceding just three. Recent trips to Germany have brought fond memories.
A win tonight against Schalke will see Real Madrid match the all-time record of ten straight #UCL wins (set by Bayern Munich in 2013)
— The Sun - Football (@TheSunFootball) February 18, 20157.29pmReal Madrid have also won seven of their last nine away games in the Champions League and only failed to score in one of their last 27 away fixtures in this particular competition. Taking that further, they have lost just five of their last 27 European away matches, but four of those defeats have been in Germany.
7.32pmWhat about both of these teams domestically? Real Madrid will enter the match off the back of a 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna at the weekend. After 23 matches, Los Blancos have collected 57 points, which has left them top of La Liga. However, they are now just one point clear of in-form Barcelona.
7.35pmSchalke, meanwhile, lost 1-0 away to Eintracht Frankurt at the weekend. They are still fourth in the Bundesliga, however, just two points behind third-place Borussia Monchengladbach. Di Matteo has found a strong formula this season, but can they show progress in this competition? We will soon find out!
7.38pmPREDICTION! Will we see another 6-1 Real Madrid win? Not for me. Schalke have clearly improved since last season, while Real Madrid's incredible level has just dropped in recent weeks. It is an extremely difficult one to call, but I think that the visitors will just have enough to secure a 2-1 win.
7.42pmHere we go then. Both sets of players will soon join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. The home supporters are right up for this one!
7.44pmWe are running a little behind schedule in Germany. The pre-match handshakes are just about taking place, with kickoff now expected in around three minutes time. Tut tut! Stay with us...
0 minYou just get the feeling that an early goal for Schalke could really push them through this evening. Right, it is the home side that get the first 45 minutes underway. Let's hope for a cracker from Germany.
2 minReal Madrid are in their pink kit this evening (a little more can be read on that here). Schalke, however, are in their usual blue. As expected, it has been a fairly low-key start, with both sides attempting to find their range in the opening moments. The noise inside this stadium is just stunning.
4 minNot too much to report in the opening four minutes. Real Madrid have started to dominate the possession, but neither side has been able to threaten in the final third thus far. Schalke are nice and tight.
5 minBenzema threatens for the visitors after meeting a through ball from Marcelo, but the Frenchman had moved into an offside position. At the moment, it appears more of a back four for the home side.
7 minJust a few signs that the visitors are starting to warm to their task as Bale delivers a dangerous cross from a wide area, but Matip is on hand to make the clearance. The possession belongs to Real Madrid, but Schalke will not be too concerned until the away side's work moves into the final third.
9 minBoateng has the chance to let one go for the home side after good work from Choupo-Moting, but Isco is on the cover to make the challenge. Real Madrid are down the other end moments later, but Marcelo is forced back inside. The tempo is just starting to rise with nine minutes on the clock here.
9 minBOOKING! Kroos (Real Madrid) is booked for fouling Howedes. Real Madrid are not happy, however, with Boateng escaping a card for bringing Ronaldo to the ground moments before.
11 minBenzema attempts to fashion a chance for the away side after driving down the left, but the Frenchman loses control at the vital moment and Schalke have a goal kick. No real chances for either side thus far, but Real Madrid have had the better moments in possession. The opening 11 mins have flown past.
13 minChoupo-Moting has been nice and bright for the home side thus far, but the forward cannot escape Pepe down the right. Ronaldo has possession for Real Madrid moments later, but Carvajal's cross is blocked. Schalke have a free kick just outside the box as Silva brings Hoger to the ground...
14 min... Aogo takes the set piece, but his effort is straight into the wall. Schalke want a penalty, but the referee is not interested. Replays have shown that it was the head of Pepe - excellent defending there.
16 minWell, 16 minutes into this match and we are still waiting for the first real chance. Both managers will be fairly content with what they have seen thus far, but Real Madrid have probably just shaded it.
18 minThe match has been a little stop-start in the last couple of minutes, with the referee forced to intervene following some late challenges. Schalke are growing in confidence, with Huntelaar playing on the final defender, but Pepe is across to challenge the Dutchman at the vital moment. Still 0-0 here.
19 minSilva tries his luck for the visitors, but his long-range strike was always moving wide.
21 minCHANCE! First real chance for the home side as Huntelaar works the ball into Aogo, who attempts to bend one into the top corner, but his effort was always clearing the crossbar. Not too much from Real Madrid going forward, however, with Schalke extremely comfortable in defensive areas.
23 minThe temperature is certainly rising inside the stadium following a couple of late challenges. Ronaldo in particular has not been too pleased with a number of tackles that have gone unpunished here.
25 minHuntelaar has started to see plenty of the ball in the final third, with the Dutchman allowing the Schalke full-backs to move high up the field. Real Madrid are down the other end moments later, but Ronaldo's effort almost goes out for a throw. The visitors have really struggled in the final third thus far.
26 minSAVE! The game's first attempt on target comes from Huntelaar as the Schalke forward finds some space before firing one towards the bottom corner, but Casillas is across to make a smart save.
26 minGOAL! Schalke 0-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
27 minIt just had to be him didn't it! Ronaldo answers his critics with a wonderful header into the back of the net. It was a super cross from Carvajal and the Portuguese did the rest. Vital away goal for Real here!
29 minIt is harsh on Schalke, who have made a very good start to this match. However, that is the difference at the top level. The ability to strike within a flash. Schalke now need to be really careful here.
30 min
That's Ronaldo's first goal since January 18. Wonder if the floodgates will open? For him and his team. Big test for Schalke now.
— AS English (@English_AS) February 18, 201531 minRonaldo tries the spectacular after another excellent cross from Carvajal, but the Portuguese cannot make contact on his attempted volley. Schalke have been unsettled by that goal, while Huntelaar looks to be struggling with an injury. It is a vital 15 minutes or so before the end of the first period.
32 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Real Madrid to score a second as Benzema beats the offside trap, but his low effort is saved by Wellenreuther. Excellent from the teenage stopper there.
32 minBig blow for Huntelaar and indeed Schalke, who are going to be forced into a change here.
33 minSUB! The change is made as Huntelaar is replaced by Platte, who is just 19.
34 minBOOKING! Boateng (Schalke) is booked - and ruled out of the second leg - for a late challenge on Ronaldo. Excellent chance for Ronaldo to threaten from the resulting free kick here...
35 min... SAVE! Ronaldo's dipping free kick is on target, but Wellenreuther makes a super save.
37 minSchalke just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Real Madrid force the issue in the final third. You just get the feeling that the home side need to survive without conceding another in this first period. Real Madrid are up around the 67% mark in terms of possession and that is quickly growing here.
38 min
58 - Ronaldo's opening goal means that he has now scored 58 goals in 58 Champions League appearances for @realmadrid . Mirror.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 18, 201540 minSchalke have just managed to regain some control in the last few minutes, but they are struggling to carry a threat in the final third. Pepe and Varane have both been strong for Real Madrid thus far tonight.
40 minCHANCE! Ronaldo has the chance to score a second for Real Madrid after meeting an excellent ball from Kroos, but Wellenreuther just does enough for the home side. The 19-year-old goalkeeper really has had a very impressive half of football there is no question about that.
42 minMarcelo is almost playing as a left-winger for the away side as he combines with Ronaldo in the final third, but Matip is on hand to make the clearance. Bale is down the right moments later, but his low cross is cleared at the near post. Bale and Ronaldo are starting to enjoy themselves for the visitors.
44 minSchalke continue to give the ball away in dangerous areas, but Real Madrid have just mis-placed a couple of passes in the final third. Benzema looks for Ronaldo, but this time Matip is across to clear.
45 minPlatte and Choupo-Moting have both been bright for the home side in the final third, but the choice of pass has just not been there thus far. End-to-end football in the latter stages of the half here.
45 min+1Matip clears an excellent Ronaldo cross over his own crossbar following another swift counter.
45 min+2We are into the second of two additional minutes in Germany. Benzema tries his luck with a curling effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. That should be that.
45 min+3BOOKING! Neustadter (Schalke) is booked for holding Benzema.
45 min+3HALF-TIME: Schalke 0-1 Real Madrid
8.35pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Real Madrid leading 1-0 courtesy of an excellent header from Ronaldo. Schalke started on the front foot, but have struggled since the goal. In truth, only some super goalkeeping has prevented the visitors from extending their first-half lead.
8.40pmSTATS! Real Madrid have had more of the ball with 61% possession, while the visitors have had six attempts - three of which have been on target. Schalke, meanwhile, have hit the target with two of their four attempts. There has also been three yellow cards following some feisty challenges.
8.45pmBENCH WATCH! The home side have already been forced into one change, with Platte replacing the injured Huntelaar after just 33 minutes. Di Matteo, however, still has options in the shape of Meyer and Barnetta. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have the likes of Javier Hernandez, Jese and Alvaro Medran in reserve.
46 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Schalke respond? You just get the feeling that they need to score tonight. Real Madrid resume the action here.
47 minNo changes from either side at the break, which is not too surprising. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 mins or so. It is Real Madrid with the ball here.
49 minReal Madrid want a free kick just outside the box following excellent work between Benzema and Ronaldo, but the referee is not interested. Schalke attempt to play down the other end moments later, but Platte has no joy. All of the possession has been with the visitors in the early moments of this half.
51 minHoger shows excellent work in a forward area before finding Aogo, who delivers into the Real Madrid box, but it is fairly comfortable for Casillas. Schalke are a threat when they manage to force some pressure.
53 minHalf-chance for Platte as the Schalke forward finds some space inside the Real Madrid box, but Pepe is across to challenge at the vital moment. It is much better from the home side, who have just started to force the issue in the final third. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals tonight.
54 minHalf-chance for Real Madrid as Isco slips a super ball into Ronaldo, who in turn looks for Benzema, but Nastasic is across to make the challenge. Both sides are threatening with 54 mins on the clock.
55 minSchalke appear to be readying a second change here...
56 minReal Madrid again threaten as Bale drives down the right before delivering towards Ronaldo, but once again the Schalke goalkeeper is on hand to claim. He has been my man-of-the match thus far.
57 minSUB! Schalke make their second change as Kirchoff replaces Neustadter.
59 minLittle over 30 minutes of normal time remaining and Real Madrid still lead 1-0. Schalke started the match on the front foot, but have been second best since Ronaldo opened the scoring in the first period. You just get the feeling that Schalke need a goal to take into the second leg in Madrid next month.
61 minStill no movement on the Real Madrid bench, but I suspect that Carlo Ancelotti will look to add some fresh legs for the final 20 minutes or so. Ronaldo has another half-chance after a low cross from Benzema, but the attacker cannot connect. Schalke then break down the other end, but Marcelo closes the door.
63 minBale leads a counter for the away side, but the Welshman cannot slide a pass into Ronaldo, who appreciates the idea nonetheless, which is good to see. Still 1-0 Real Madrid in this first leg.
63 minBoateng attempts the spectacular for the home side, but his volley was always high of the crossbar.
63 minBOOKING! Kirchoff (Schalke) is booked for a late challenge on Carvajal.
64 minCarvajal has stayed down following that challenge - it was not very clever!
66 minPossession football from the away side as we approach the final stages of this match. Carvajal, meanwhile, has returned to the field following a short spell of treatment. It remains 1-0 to the visitors here.
68 minCHANCE! Easily Schalke's best moment of the second period as Hoger drives into the Real Madrid box before attempting to find a cross, but he hits the side netting. That was much better from the home side, with Boateng also involved in the build-up. The home supporters want more of that.
70 minBoateng again tries his luck for the home side, but his effort from distance was always straight into the arms of Casillas, who has been fairly untroubled. The atmosphere has just dropped, meanwhile.
72 minCHANCE! Real Madrid come close to scoring their second as Isco meets a loose ball on the edge of the Schalke box, but his effort was always rising. Best chance of the second half for the visitors.
73 minReal Madrid have a free kick just outside the box as Benzema is chopped down by Howedes...
73 min... Ronaldo takes the set piece, but his effort is straight into the wall.
75 minCROSSBAR! Oh my good grief! Schalke come within a whisker of equalising as Platte strikes one from outside the box, but his effort smashes the crossbar. Almost a dream moment for the youngster!
76 minIncreased confidence for the home side as we approach the final 15 minutes here.
78 minSchalke have not had too many chances in this second period, but they have looked a threat in the final third. You just get the feeling that there is one more goal in this match. Can Schalke equalise?
78 minGOAL DISALLOWED! Real Madrid have the ball in the back of the net as Benzema rounds the goalkeeper before finishing, but the Frenchman was offside when collecting a pass from Bale.
78 minSUB! Real Madrid make their first change as Hernandez replaces Benzema.
79 minGOAL! Schalke 0-2 Real Madrid (Marcelo)
80 minOh my good grief what a strike! Real Madrid have their second of the night as Ronaldo cuts inside before finding Marcelo, who hammers one into the top corner. Sensational effort from the left-back!
81 minSUB! Schalke make their third change as Meyer replaces Hoger.
82 minSUB! Real Madrid make their second change as Arbeloa replaces Carvajal.
84 minSchalke attempt to respond as Meyer finds some space in the final third, but his pass into the box is cleared by Pepe. Real Madrid are preparing to make their third and final change, meanwhile.
85 minSUB! Real Madrid make their third change as Illarramendi replaces Isco.
86 minSchalke are offering the impression that they can find a late goal here, but another cross from Meyer is cleared, which brings groans from the crowd. This one might be over unless the home side can score.
89 minNot too much to report in terms of chances as we approach the final minutes in Germany. Real Madrid threaten to create another opportunity down the left, but Ronaldo's threaded pass is cleared by Uchida. Just a reminder that the second leg at the Bernabeu will take place next month.
90 min+1We are into the first of three added minutes in Germany.
90 min+3End-to-end football in the last few moments, but Meyer cannot slide a pass into Choupo-Moting and the chance is gone for the home side. That should be just about that for this one tonight.
90 min+4FULL-TIME: Schalke 0-2 Real Madrid
9.38pmSo there we have it. Goals from Ronaldo and Marcelo help Real Madrid record a 2-0 win in this last-16 first leg. Schalke had their moments, but were beaten by a very good Real Madrid side. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
