Real Madrid were pushed to the very end by Bundesliga side Schalke on Tuesday evening, narrowly progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 5-4 aggregate win.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side approached the tie with a 2-0 first leg lead but their recent form had seen them gain much criticism from a number of fans, pundits and coaches close to the club.
The visitors broke the deadlock when former Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar flicked the ball in for Christian Fuchs, who smashed the ball past Iker Casillas.
The Spanish keeper would have a night to forget as he would go on to let in a further three more goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo got his side back on level terms when he headed in a Toni Kroos cross five minutes later, but the hosts would be behind once more when Huntelaar thumped in a close range finish.
However, Roberto di Matteo’s side allowed Madrid to score again as Ronaldo scored with another header just brfore half time.
Karim Benzema would then score in the second half to put Madrid in front but their desire to sit back saw them biting their nails in the last moments of the game.
First, Leroy Sane unleashed a superb effort past Casillas, before Huntelaar would add his second of the night with a thumping finish.
The German side were unable to find one more which would have knocked the reigning champions out, but Madrid held on to progress, although the full-time jeers from the home crowd leaves boss Ancelotti looking over his shoulder.
Meanwhile, in Portugal, Porto cruised through to the next round with a 4-0 win over Swiss side Basel.