SCHALKE 1 REAL MADRID 6: Ronaldo, Bale & Benzema Hit Brace In Six-Star Show

Real Madrid virtually secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League on Wednesday night with a stunning 6-1 demolition of Schalke. The nine-time European champions had only won once before in 25 trips to Germany but victory was secured at the Veltins-Arena as Real's most potent attacking weapons came to the fore.

Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo all scored twice as an insatiable Madrid left Schalke requiring a miracle at the Bernabeu in three weeks time despite Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scoring the goal of the night in time added-on.

Schalke won a corner in the first minute and nearly took the lead but captain Benedikt Howedes' header from distance drifted wide of Iker Casillas' right-hand post.

RAUL: This is The Best Real Madrid Team In Recent Years

Raul believes that Carlo Ancelotti has put together the best Real Madrid side in recent years. The Blancos legend will be an interested spectator when the Liga leaders travel to Germany on Wednesday to take on another of his former sides, Schalke.

The 36-year-old striker, who spent 16 years at the Santiago Bernabeu and two in Gelsenkirchen, believes the Champions League last-16, first-leg clash will be a tough game for both sides, though he feels that Madrid are as strong as they have been for some time.

"I love both teams,I spent my best moments as a footballer with them and I really wish them good luck

Video: Eto's lucky goal against Schakle

Samuel Eto has probably found his formback after scoring two goals for Chelsea against Schakle. Funny goal, poor goal keeping.