It’s no easy achievement to beat Real Madrid, scoring four goals in the process, at the Santiago Bernabeu. But, Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 did just that. Roberto di Matteo has helped contribute in more ways than one, with his side proving a tough test for the defending European champions just twelve months after they were comprehensively smashed 9-2 on aggregate over the two legs in the 2013-14 campaign.

STAT: Schalke became the first team to beat Real, scoring four goals at the Bernabeu in the Champions League since 2011

With a 2-0 deficit to try and claw back as they travelled to Spain, the odds were uncharacteristically stacked against them – something shown in European history that should never be done.  

Within the first ten minutes of the referee’s first whistle, it was quite clear to see that Schalke had something to prove against the big boys. Maximilian Meyer, the young 19-year-old attacking midfield talent, was at his playmaking best as he exploded out of the blocks with his brilliant dribbling on show; something that Raphael Varane and Pepe struggled to cope with throughout. 

If you look at the scoreline without having watched the full 90, you may have thought it was a tough-fought, close match. In actual fact, it was the opposite. The hosts were under pressure from the offset, especially with their domestic troubles of late, many have suggested Real are having a mini crisis. A brace from Ronaldo before the half-time interval, coupled with Benzema's fancy footwork in the area early into the second 45, gave Ancelotti's men three goals on the night, meaning they had five on aggregate after a 2-0 victory at the Veltins Arena. 

Schalke's conveyer belt of young, superb talents was evident to see again, as Meyer, Tim Wellenreuther and Leroy Sané were just three of the young players (all under the age of 20) to feature on the pitch for the visitors. The latter of which, scored a superb strike as well as creating an assist off the substitutes' bench when replacing Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting halfway through the first-half on his official UEFA Champions League debut, I might add.

Their fast-paced, link-up play was a pleasure to watch at times - makes you wonder what might have been if they had a stronger defensive unit. Obviously, it has improved, but is still far from perfect. Real Madrid on the other hand, were quite literally booed off the Bernabeu pitch by their home supporters, waving white hankies and whistling their disapproval. Their own fans knew how lucky their team was, to even qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals. The UCL holders, could quite easily have been knocked out - but their luck saved them for another tie. And ultimately, Cristiano Ronaldo will have the final say (or rather not, in his case).