Holders Real squeak past Schalke into last eight

Schalke 04's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (R) celebrates after scoring a goal against Real Madrid during their round of 16 second leg soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, in Madrid, March 10, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

DESERVED LEAD

After Real comfortably won last month's last 16, first leg in Gelsenkirchen 2-0, Schalke came out fighting and took a deserved lead when Fuchs' shot ricocheted into the net off Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Ronaldo levelled from a Toni Kroos corner five minutes later before former Real striker Huntelaar, who moments earlier had struck a fierce shot against the crossbar, put Schalke 2-1 ahead when he followed up Max Meyer's saved effort.

Ronaldo struck again from Fabio Coentrao's cross on the stroke of halftime -- the Portugal captain's 75th Champions League goal putting him level at the top of the all-time scoring chart with Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

Both sides continued to attack at every opportunity in the second half and Benzema made it 3-2 in the 53rd minute before Sane curled a shot past Casillas in the 57th to equalise.

Dutchman Huntelaar set up a nervous finish when he smashed a brilliant effort into the net off the bar six minutes from time and Schalke captain Benedikt Hoewedes had one more chance to snatch the decisive goal but a relieved Real held out to claim a place in the draw for the last eight on March 20.