Just when Real Madrid's season seemed to be in doubt, Los Blancos pulled a truly effective performance against Schalke, led by Cristiano Ronaldo's header and an amazing right-footed strike by Marcelo. Real Madrid remain undefeated this season while playing Champions League games, winning their seven matches so far in the European competition.
With the first minutes of the game raising some doubts about Real Madrid's confidence, Cristiano Ronaldo took advantage of a magnificent cross by Dani Carvajal to make it 1-0. This was the first goal for Ronaldo in almost a month, striking the net for the sixth time in this Champions League edition.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in 12 Consecutive UCL matches away from home. A record NEVER been seen before in tournament history!
— Football Tweets (@FutballTweets) February 18, 2015
@Cristiano Great goal boss...
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 18, 2015
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his opening goal. pic.twitter.com/2D2NHCuUpy
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cr7Prince4ever) February 18, 2015
"Cristiano mimics Juan Roman Riquelme's celebration after scoring the first goal for Real Madrid."
Cristiano Ronaldo, emulando la celebración de GOL del 'Topo Gigio' de Juan Román Riquelme. ¡Jé! pic.twitter.com/3WZ5ieNFsS
— MERCADO FÚTBOL® ⚽ (@Mercado_Futbool) February 18, 2015
After the break, Schalke came close two times to equalizing the game, but Iker Casillas and the crossbar kept Real Madrid in the lead. When the game entered its final stage, Cristiano Ronaldo dribbled past two of Schalke's defenders to assist Marcelo, who controlled the ball outside the box and smashed it into debutant Timon Wellenreuther's net. This was Marcelo's second goal of the season, adding eight assists to his offensive stats.
"Full-back on his weaker foot? Let him shoot..... oh, bugger" #Marcelo #SchalkeRealMadrid
— Kris Voakes (@krisvoakes) February 18, 2015
Great skills by Cristiano who assists Marcelo! Beautiful!
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) February 18, 2015
Gary Neville on that Marcelo goal. pic.twitter.com/RekUT02cmb
— Not Match of the Day (@NOT_MOTD) February 18, 2015
This was Marcelo's "weak" foot, by the way.
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) February 18, 2015
PIC - Chicharito's face says it all for Marcelo's goal. pic.twitter.com/WbkLiaHwr0
— BlancoStats (@BlancoStats) February 18, 2015
With this win, Real Madrid equalized Bayern Munich's streak of ten consecutive wins playing Champions League games, and will have a chance to make that better on March 10th, during the second leg of this Round of 16 matchup.
How did fans and experts react to this result? Scroll down to find out!
Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti: 99 Matches 77 Wins 10 Draws 12 Losses 270 Goals Scored 80 Allowed 48 Cleansheets 4 Titles ¡HALA MADRID!
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) February 18, 2015
Ancelotti: "We had to play a game with this attitude after what happened in the league. Everything went well."
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) February 18, 2015
#1 reason to love Marcelo. pic.twitter.com/pbenyJ3IeL
— BlancoStats (@BlancoStats) February 18, 2015
Marcelo and Carlo. pic.twitter.com/smhR4EVEd1
— The Madridistas (@RMadridNation) February 18, 2015 
