Holders Real squeak past Schalke into last eight

Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti looks on during their round of 16 second leg soccer match against Schalke 04 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, in Madrid, March 10, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

REAL OUTPLAYED

Real were looking for a convincing performance after the defeat at Bilbao cost them top spot in La Liga but they were outplayed for long periods by an impressive Schalke unit.

Both sides were pushing forward in search of goals, which made for an entertaining spectacle but allowed the visitors plenty of chances to counter attack.

Benzema's goal, when he picked up a loose ball and darted across the penalty area before firing into an empty net, seemed to have settled the tie but Sane's brilliant leveller at 3-3 gave Schalke renewed hope.

Schalke midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta came close in the 62nd minute and Real fullback Alvaro Arbeloa burst through in the 65th but was denied by a fine save from Timon Wellenreuther.

Ronaldo's brace took his goals tally past Barcelona's Lionel Messi (76) and former Real striker Raul (77) in European games.

He also matched Messi's record of 20 Champions League doubles and took his total for the season to 41 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions, also level with Messi.

Real's defeat meant they missed a chance to set a record for consecutive victories in Europe's elite club competition.

They equalled the mark of 10 straight wins set by Bayern Munich in 2013 when they beat Schalke in the first leg.