Real Madrid relieved to escape from Sofia with win

Cristiano Ronaldo helped Champions League holders Real Madrid survive an early scare in Bulgaria and come away with all three points from a 2-1 win over Ludogorets Razgrad in Sofia on Wednesday.

Ludogorets, a modest provincial club who have only been in existence for 13 years, stunned the 10-time European champions with a sixth-minute strike and threatened throughout despite Ronaldo taking a hand.

The Portuguese star missed one penalty and had a goal disallowed before scoring from a second spot-kick to spare Real’s blushes – all in the first 25 minutes.

French striker Karim Benzema made sure Real’s reputation remained intact with the winning goal 13 minutes from time.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said: “For us the result is good. We started by trailing 1-0 but then pressured Ludogorets and managed to score for 1-1 and then take the lead.