Holders Real Madrid took a giant step in retaining the Uefa Champions League when they traveled to Germany to battle Schalke 04.
Ronaldo who was suffering from a three- game goal drought took only 26 minutes to break the unprecedented feat when he beat Schalke goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther to the ball to head home.
Schalke Manager Di Matteo won the Champions League with Chelsea
The home team started on the front-foot; dictating play and controlling possession but lack of effort in the final third compounded a frustrating night for Roberto Di Matteo. It got worse for the former Chelsea manager when top striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was forced off before the break with a suspected thigh injury, upsetting a change in tactics.
The match was dead and buried in the closing stage when Ronaldo found Marcelo, and the Brazilian drifted in, then sent a thunderous effort into the top corner.
Marcelo celebrates his goal with Manager.
The second leg is at Bernabeu on the 10th of March.