Real Madrid should have made the second leg at the Bernabeu a formality after late strikes gave them a convincing 3-0 win over APOEL Nicosia. The Cypriot minnows defended gamely throughout but it was always a backs-to-the-wall performance which they just couldn't maintain, finally conceding three goals in the final 16 minutes.
However, introduction of Kaka and Marcelo, as substitutes turned the game in the Spaniards favour.
Benzema opened the scoring with his first of the night, converting a cross from Kaka with a diving header.
Kaka then turned scorer finishing off a fine run by Marcelo. Benzema added his second in stoppage time when presented with an open goal by Ozil.
Real should now progress to a potential semi-final against Bayern Munich having only lost one Champions League game in 22 outings.
Referee: Felix Brych (GER)
Venue: GSP Stadium, Nicosia
Attendance: 22,000
APOEL scorers: Real Madrid scorers: Benzema 74, 90, Kaka 82
Yellow cards:
TRIBAL ASKS: The tie is surely over now with the Cypriot minnows unlikely to provide a shock in Spain.
