Cristiano Ronaldo ended a rare three game goal-scoring drought with the first goal in Real Madrid’s record equalling 10th straight Champions League win on Wednesday beating Schalke 04 2-0 in Germany.
The holders — whose other goal came through Brazilian Marcelo in the second-half — will fancy their chances of easing through to the quarter-finals when they meet in the second leg next month.
Real’s victory — which fortunately for the hosts did not come near the 6-1 hammering they took in last season’s last 16 first leg encounter in Germany — equalled Bayern Munich’s record which was set back in December 2013.
“It’s clear that Cristiano Ronaldo lives to score goals,” said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Honours were even in the night’s other game where the Swiss side Basel — who have never reached the last eight of the Champions League in its present format — were held 1-1 by Portuguese side Porto, who won the competition in 2004.
Basel coach Paulo Sousa was delighted with his side’s performance.
“I am really happy with this result as it was a very difficult match,” said Sousa.
Ronaldo ended his drought with a neatly-taken header in the 27th minute to edge him closer to both the overall goals record in all European competition and the Champions League.
Real doubled their lead as Marcelo struck with a fine effort after being set up by Ronaldo.
Basel had got off to the dream start as Paraguayan striker Derlis Gonzalez did superbly well to stroke the ball into the Porto goal despite being off-balance.
He, however, had to go off feeling dizzy after a clash with the opposing goalkeeper.
The visitors got a deserved equaliser from the penalty spot — Danilo converting after veteran 36-year-old Argentinian defender Walter Samuel had been penalised for handball.
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