Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez scored second-half goals to help Real Madrid defeat AS Roma 2-0 and advance to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the sixth consecutive season on Tuesday.
Ronaldo scored his 13th goal in the competition this season by turning home a cross by substitute forward Lucas Vazquez in the 64th minute, with Rodriguez adding to the lead four minutes later with a low shot from inside the area to give Real a 4-0 aggregate victory.
In the night’s other game, VfL Wolfsburg reached the last eight for the first time with a 1-0 win at home over Belgian champions KAA Gent.
Photo: AP
Roma had a few clear chances before Real scored, but could not capitalize on them to reverse the 2-0 loss in Rome, failing in their attempt to reach the quarters for the first time in eight years.
Forward Mohamed Salah had two incredible opportunities that could have changed the match if they had gone in. Striker Edin Dzeko also was in a good position to open the scoring, but squandered his chance.
Despite missing their chances on counterattacks, Real controlled the game at the Santiago Bernabeu, where they are yet to concede a goal in four Champions League games this season. Real and Barcelona are the only unbeaten teams in this season’s competition.
The home side’s attack finally broke through when Vazquez beat a defender on the right flank and crossed for Ronaldo to score his 90th career goal in the Champions League. Rodriguez, who had been jeered by local fans in recent games, sealed the victory after entering the area and firing a left-foot shot past Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
It was Ronaldo’s 57th appearance in the knockout stage of the competition, allowing him to break Xavi Hernandez’s record. Ronaldo, who also scored a goal in the first leg, has netted five goals in six Champions League appearances against Roma.
Roma were trying to reach the last eight for the first time since 2007-2008, when they eliminated Real 4-2 on aggregate with a team led by Francesco Totti, who received a standing ovation by the home fans at the Santiago Bernabeu when he entered Tuesday’s game in the 74th minute.
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