Real outclasses Schalke 6-1

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany: Real Madrid staked its claim as the main challenger to Bayern Munich´s supremacy in Europe with a 6-1 rout of Schalke on Wednesday.

With its star forwards firing on all cylinders, Madrid outclassed Bayern´s Bundesliga rival and only a miracle would now see the Spanish side fail to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

"Real and Bayern are the two best teams in the world," Schalke coach Jens Keller said.

This could be Madrid´s season. The club is sitting alone atop La Liga for the first time since the 2011/12 season, when it won the title.

And the devastating display against Schalke underscored Madrid´s ambition of taking Bayern´s crown in the Champions League, where it is seeking an elusive 10th title after being eliminated in the semifinals the last three seasons.

Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals apiece to tear apart Schalke and coach Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for his team.

Goals from Benzema and Bale gave a Real a two-goal lead after 21 minutes, but in between Iker Casillas pulled off a stunning save from Julian Draxler. Jefferson Farfan sent a long cross that was slightly deflected and Draxler pounced from three meters, only to see Casillas react with an amazing reflex stop. (AP)