Cristiano Ronaldo inspired reigning European champions Real Madrid to a 2-0 win in a first leg UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash at Schalke 04 on Wednesday night.

The Ballon d’Or holder headed the Spanish giants ahead with the visitors’ first real threat on the Schalke goal off a Dani Carvajal cross midway through the first half.

Ronaldo then saw a well struck free kept out by Schalke goalkeeper Wellenreuther seven minutes before the break.

Substitute Felix Platte came close to an equaliser for Schalke in the 74th minute when his effort came off the Real woodwork.

Real striker Karim Benzema then saw a goal ruled out for offside four minutes later, but Marcelo ensured of the win a minute later with a thunderous right foot effort.

The result puts one foot into the last eight for Real, that has now gone five successive matches without defeat against their German opponents.

Meanwhile in Switzerland, a Danilo penalty 10 minutes from time handed the advantage to FC Porto in the tie against Basel which ended 1-1 at St. Jakob’s Park.