Real Madrid have one foot in the semi-final of the Champions League after a 3-0 at home over Borussia Dortmund.
Gareth Bale, Isco and Cristiano Ronaldo got the goals that, barring a disaster in Germany, will mean a fourth semi-final appearance in four years for Los Blancos.
Much of the focus in the Madrid press today is on Ronaldo. Both Marca and AS run plenty of stories on him – and his injury is of utmost concern. According to the papers, he will miss the match with Real Sociedad this weekend due to the problems the tendinitis in his knee is giving him. Manager Carlo Ancelotti said after the game that should the 29-year-old need a rest at the weekend he will get one.
In more positive news though, the Portugal captain equaled two records last night. Firstly, his strike was his 49th goal in the Champions League for Real Madrid, equaling the great Alfredo de Stefano for goals scored in Europe’s top club competition. It was also his 14th of the current campaign, equaling the record held by Leo Messi.
It was also a good night for Isco, who scored in his return to the starting line-up. In recent weeks he has been getting more playing time, and after the game he said he was pleased with how things had gone. “I want to show that I can fit into any system,” he said.
