Real Madrid got their Champions League campaign off to a winning start against APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu with a brace from Ronaldo and a cheeky chilena from Sergio Ramos.
With Cristiano Ronaldo suspened for five games to start the domestic campaign, the Portuguse wasted little time to make a mark in Europe.
He slotted home a Gareth Bale cross at the back post after 12 minutes to give Real Madrid a lead that they were never in danger of losing. They had plenty of efforts in the first half but failed to convert any of them although it just seemed like a matter of time before they would clinch the game and a handy to start to their Champions League campaign.
It would take a little bit of luck, however, as Ronaldo converted a penalty from a questionable hand-ball from Roberto Lago as it appeared to hit his shoulder as opposed to his arm. The referee decided it hit his arm, however, and Ronaldo made no mistake from the penalty spot driving it low and to the right of Boy Waterman.
Two goals to the good, Real Madrid were home and dry and Sergio Ramos locked up the full three points on 61 minutes when Gareth Bale headed down a Marcelo cross only to see the Real Madrid captain swing a bicycle kick at it and put the game to bed.
Real Madrid, maybe, were not as sharp as they might have liked to be but got all three points after a difficult LaLiga opening, which has seen them draw twice against Valencia and Levante in the first three weeks.
They travel to Dortmund at the start of October as the challenges they face continue to grow while APOELA Nicosia welcome Tottenham as their Champions League group stages refuses to get easier.
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