Real Madrid beat 3-0 APOEL Nicosia on Tuesday night, for the Champions League’s quarter-finals first leg (half-time 0-0).
The nine-times European champions dominated the match but APOEL, the first Cypriot side to reach the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competition, defended solidly to frustrate their Spanish opponents until the last 15 minutes.
Real needed 74 minutes to open the score in front of 23.000 APOEL’s fans through a header of French striker Karim Benzema, who doubled his goals in the last minute with an area shoot. Eight minutes before (82nd minute) Brazilian Kaka netted for a second time for the Spanish team.
APOEL coach Ivan Jovanovic said his side had become frustrated after the first goal.
“The truth is we were well organised, at least on defence, but certainly, some disappointment set in after the 75th minute. There was some disappointment and I would say after the first goal we lost some concentration,” he told Sigma Sports.
APOEL chairman Phivos Erotocritou said APOEL were proud of their achievements.
“We have our head held high. It has been really special, we are very proud that we got to this point. It is certainly not a result to be ashamed of, we are very very proud we got to this point.”
The second leg in Madrid takes place next Wednesday.
