REAL MADRID 3 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 0 | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Q/FINAL 1º ST LEG RESULT

The last of the three Spanish Football Clubs in the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals phase, Real Madrid, had its turn tonight. Real Madrid hosted German Club Borussia Dortmund with the home team winning an "undermanned" visting team 3 - 0. Beforehand, one may think Real Madrid has the road to the semi-finals clear, however the return match could be complicated & one must never underestimate Dortmund which will have back from suspension its star forward Lewandowski.

Real Madrid lost Di Maria before the match to a stomach complaint which allowed Isco to start in the starting XI. Borussia was without half dozen players that knocked out Real Madrid from the semis last year, they were not the same.

Real Madrid went full steam ahead from the beginning to pressure the Germans & were rewarded with an early goal in the 3rd min when Benzema & Carvajal combined to find Gareth Bale who toe-poked the opener.

Real Madrid controlled the match & created more opportunities & got their second goal in the 27th min when Isco placed the ball far from the Borussia goalie. In fact, Weidenfeller (the Dortmund goalkeeper) made 3 - 4 vital saves to keep the scoreline down to only 3 - 0. He have a great game.

The second half saw a more paced Real Madrid keep at bay a more determined Borussia Dortmund which wanted a goal at least to take back to the 2º leg return match. They tried hard & created chances but an inspired Real Madrid defender Pepe acted as the "Goal Guardian" along with his defending team-mates.

The third goal came in the 57th min when Cristiano Ronaldo fired home after a German defensive mistake. The Portuguese star scored his 14 Champions League goals this season equalling the competitions record held by Lionel Messi. The Real Madrid forward later left the field with a annoying pain in his knee that will leave the fans waiting until the medical team check it out. Cristiano Ronaldo has been carrying a knee inflammation condition these last matches & tonight his knee may have said "enough", rest is needed. 

Borussia Dortmund finally did better than anyone thought & leaves the tie open with some hope back in Germany. Their second half performance leads one to think that they could complicate & attempt a "turn-around". Until then, Real Madrid has a big & almost decisive advantage.