Real Madrid's 6-1 drubbing against Schalke 04 on Wednesday was major moment for Los Blancos. They ended the German curse by picking up just their second win in 25 matches in Germany and have essentially booked a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals for the fourth straight season.
Here are a few things that we learned from Madrid's tremendous victory.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo is back
It is truly an odd statement to say that the reigning Ballon d'Or winner is back. But Ronaldo put together his best performance of 2014 with his two-goal output against Schalke. But it was more than the goals. Ronaldo made two terrific plays to set up the opening goal as well as Benzema's second. Many might call him selfish, but those plays were anything but. Moreover, Ronaldo created a plethora of scoring chances and would have had a lot more goals if not for hitting a post and some strong stops from Schalke's keeper. Ronaldo now leads all players in the competition with 11 goals.
2. Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema are also excellent
It seems like these two players have come a long way since their rather tough starts to the year. Benzema was being booed and jeered at for failing to score while Bale was being questioned for his persistent injuries. Just last week people wondered whether Jese Rodriguez should be playing in his spot instead.
But the two quieted critics on Wednesday with a brace apiece. Bale scored a terrific goal off an individual effort and scored off a brilliant pass from Sergio Ramos. He also helped setup Benzema's first goal with a great pass to Ronaldo.
Benzema scored a rather opportunistic first goal but made a terrific play with Ronaldo to score his second. He also helped set up Bale's first goal and also provided the helper for Ronaldo's second.
The two are certainly making the side look exceedingly dangerous.
3. Iker Casillas is gold
San Iker did not have to do much work on Wednesday but when he was called up, he answered the call. The big moment for the keeper came early in the game with the score at 1-0. Schalke phenom Julian Draxler had a big chance to even the score, but Casillas made a huge reflex save to keep the scoreline at 1-0; the team would eventually take over the game and the keeper would not be disturbed much. The goal that wound up breaking Casillas' long shutout streak was a shot that few keepers would be expected to stop.
4. The Midfield is fantastic
Aside from Bayern Munich, can any other team claim to have as good a midfield as Madrid does right now? Luka Modric was making some terrific long stretch passes to destroy the Schalke defense. Xabi Alonso made some rather brilliant plays from his own half; even when he slipped at one point he got right back up and took control of the play. Angel Di Maria was a bit undisciplined but was dangerous throughout, his speed seemingly scaring Schalke.
5. Schalke 04 is not capable of taking on top end competition
For anyone doubting whether the two 3-0 losses against Chelsea were flukes, there is no need for more evidence. The German team looked poised to surprise Madrid early on in the game but slowly faded and looked like they belonged in a completely different league. The team lacked organization on defense and simply looked overwhelmed throughout. Not a good day for German soccer.