POST MATCH: Real Madrid secure Champions League advantage with late Ajax win

Second half goals from Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio sealed a 2-1 win for Real Madrid away at Ajax, in the Champions League last 16.

The defending champions now have two away goals to take into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu in three weeks time, thanks to Asensio's late intervention.

The Spanish international came off the bench to turn home Dani Carvajal's low cross three minutes from time, to cancel out Hakim Ziyech's second half equaliser for the Dutch side.

Neither team created many clear cut chances in the first half – with the big talking point being Nicolas Tagliafico's goal being ruled out by VAR, after a foul on Real Madrid goal keeper Thibaut Courtois. 

That decision took the sting out of Ajax in the second half, and the visitors patience eventually paid off when former French international Benzema swept home following a brilliant run and cross from Vinicius Junior.

Ziyech's goal gave Erik ten Hag's side a glimpse of a famous result, but the efficiency of Santiago Solari's side won the day as Asensio struck late on. 

Tags Karim Benzema Marco Asensio
La Liga - Club News