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Ronaldo on target as Real Madrid win in Rome

Real Madrid took a big step toward the Uefa Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday night with a 2-0 win at Roma. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 12 minutes into the second-half and Jese secured the victory four minutes from time. 

Cristiano Ronaldo was on targt for the 89th time in the Uefa Champions League during Real Madrid's win in Italy.
Cristiano Ronaldo was on targt for the 89th time in the Uefa Champions League during Real Madrid's win in Italy. Reuters/Alessandro Bianchi
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Roma coach Luciano Spalletti deployed a 4-3-1-2 formation which left no space for Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko. The tactic restricted Real to a series of half-chances while the hosts threatened regularly throughout the opening half. but Roma were made to pay for their lack of precision.

Near the hour mark, Ronaldo ran on to Marcelo's lob, turned inside and unleashed a shot that deflected off Alessandro Florenzi and past goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

It was the Portugal international's 89th Champions League goal and his 12th in this season's competition.

Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, who was overseeing his first game in the Champions League as coach, said he was delighted to win at Roma. The ..year old former France international also praised the contribution of Ronaldo. "We all know that he's the best. I'm happy for him, Zidane told the Spanish TV station Mega.

"Cristiano is a very important player in the team but so are the others even those who aren't playing very much. They're important for the team and team spirit by encouraging their team mates.

Real host Roma for the second leg on 8 March. On the same evening in Germany, Wolfsburg will entertain Gent nursing a 3-2 from Wednesday night's first leg in Belgium. Julian Draxler bagged a brace and Max Kruse added a third as the visitors swept into a commanding lead.

Gent chipped away at the advantage with two goals in the last 10 minutes from Sven Kums and Kalifa Coulibaly. However, the Germans, like the Spaniards, will be favourites to progress to the last eight next month.

 

 

 

 

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