Real Madrid have all but ended Cypriot side APOEL's fairytale run in the Champions League by thumping the hosts 3-0 in the two teams' first leg quarter-final tie of the Champions League in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Real Madrid, who completely outclassed and outplayed APOEL, were dominant all through the match but took time to open the scoring. The first goal came only in the 74th minute, via French striker Karim Benzama, who scored a brilliant header off a Kaka cross.
Eight minutes later the visitors were two goals up after Brazilian star midfielder Kaka managed to find the nets via a superb pass from international teammate Marcelo.
The icing on the cake was put by Benzama, who managed to find the nets for a second time via a beautiful pass by German midfielder Mesut Özil.
APOEL, who were completely dominated by the Spanish giants, did not manage to even get one shot on goal.
Check out these pictures capturing the best moments of the match:
Real Madrid's Benzema and APOEL's Boaventura challenge for the ball during their Champions League quarter-final first leg soccer match in Nicosia.ReutersReal Madrid's Coentrao and APOEL's Charalambides challenge for the ball during their Champions League quarter-final first leg soccer match in Nicosia.ReutersReal Madrid's Ronaldo and APOEL's Paulo Jorge challenge for the ball during their Champions League quarter-final first leg soccer match in Nicosia.ReutersAPOEL's goalkeeper Chiotis saves the ball from a header of Real Madrid's Benzema during their Champions League quarter-final first leg soccer match in Nicosia.ReutersReal Madrid's Benzema and APOEL's Poursaitides challenge for the ball during their Champions League quarter-final first leg soccer match in Nicosia.ReutersReal Madrid's Sahin and APOEL's Sousa challenge for the ball during their Champions League quarter-final first leg soccer match in Nicosia.ReutersReal Madrid's Benzema heads the ball to score a goal past APOEL's goalkeeper Chiotis and Kaka during their Champions League quarter-final first leg soccer match in Nicosia.ReutersReal Madrid's Benzema is congratulated by his team mates after scoring his second goal against APOEL during their Champions League quarter-final first leg soccer match in Nicosia.ReutersReal Madrid's Higuain and APOEL's Paulo Jorge go for a high ball during their Champions League quarter-final first leg soccer match in Nicosia.ReutersReal Madrid's Casillas celebrates after winning his Champions League quarter-final first leg soccer match against APOEL in Nicosia.Reuters