Real Madrid took a huge step towards reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League by strolling a comfortable 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.
Los Blancos got their revenge from last year’s defeat against the Germans in a perfect game for the hosts, who could have pocketed five or six goals hadn’t Roman Weidenfeller put in a spectacular performance.
Carlo Ancelotti men were in control from the first whistle. With Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric dominating the midfield game, Los Blancos took the possession away from Borussia.
Furthermore, they were lucky to score in their first shot on target. Karim Benzema held the ball up down the right hand side, leaving free way for Daniel Carvajal to reach the box. The right-back found Gareth Bale, who poked an effort to the bottom corner.
Los Merengues played one of their best games of the season, showing a hypnotic passing style and constantly threatening Weidenfeller.
The German goalkeeper made a couple of brilliant saves to avoid a humiliating goal fest in the first half. Yet, he wasn’t able to deny Isco’s perfect strike from outside the box and to the bottom corner, after a good recovery from Alonso.
Dortmund had their moments towards the end of the half, but they didn’t really threaten Iker Casillas in the Madrid goal.
Los Blancos were determined to seal their ticket for the semi-finals in the first leg, and they started the second half very motivated. Bale was close to making his second goal, but Weidenfeller rushed off his line on time to close the angle.
Madrid had their third before the hour mark as Modric found Ronaldo, and the Portuguese tricked the goalkeeper to send the ball into the back of the net.
Weidenfeller was superb again to deny an effort from Benzema, who had met a loose ball inside the box.
With the victory secured, Ancelotti gave Alvaro Morata a few minutes of play, letting Benzema get some rest for La Liga’s crucial game against Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Yet, there were bad news for Los Blancos before the final whistle, as Ronaldo had to be replaced by Casemiro in the 80th minute due to injury.
