C.RONALDO SCORES BRACE AS REAL MADRID PUT THREE PAST OVER-MATCHED APOEL

Real Madrid, it turns out, are still good, cruising to victory over a game but overmatched Apoel without playing all that well.

They absolutely dominated the first half but might have conceded before they scored, Igor De Camargo failing to control Roberto Lago's low cross and botching his shot accordingly. So Madrid broke downfield immediately, Gareth Bale setting up Cristiano Ronaldo, and his tidy finish put the holders in front.

The goal was Madrid's only shot on target in the first half and they improved after the break, Ronaldo's penalty putting them further ahead after 51 minutes and Sergio Ramos' overhead kick sealing the win on 61. They ought really to have scored more, but will be satisfied with three; their next match though, away to a Dortmund side already desperate for something, will be more of a test.

TALKING POINT

How will Madrid keep everyone happy? With Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema absent, Zinedine Zidane's forward line picked itself. But once those two return, two ridiculously good players will be disappointed. Rotating effectively, or placating effectively will be crucial.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) No-one played especially well, so it's impossible to pick anyone but the scorer of the first two goals. Obscenely good.