Real Madrid avenge shock Sheriff defeat

Key Facts

Real took their revenge against the Moldovan side, who pulled off a shock 2-1 win in the reverse fixture in September, with goals from defender David Alaba, midfielder Toni Kroos and striker Karim Benzema enough to claim the victory.
What every team needs to get out of their UCL group - ESPN+ viewers' guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more Alaba scored his first Champions League goal in six years to put the visitors ahead in the 30th minute before Kroos doubled their lead with the last kick of the first half.
Benzema added the extra in the 55th minute to secure the win for the Spaniards and solidify their place at the top of Group D. "We played a good game, a serious game from the start," Real manager Carlo Ancelotti said.
Benzema appeared to put the visitors ahead in the ninth minute after he took advantage of a weak save from Athanasiadis and slotted the rebound into the net, but he was immediately ruled offside.