Real Madrid have turned in a clinical away performance to thrash
Schalke 04 6-1 and stand on the brink of the quarter-finals after their
Champions League last 16 first leg tie on Wednesday. French international Karim Benzema, Welshman Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo all scored twice in a one-sided victory for Carlo Ancelotti's men at the Veltins Arena.
Dutchman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar picked up a last minute consolation goal for the Bundesliga outfit.
The return leg of their last-16 tie now appears to be a formality for the nine-time champions at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 18.
