Kaka puts Real in command

Substitute Kaka sparkled and Karim Benzema scored twice as Real Madrid finally broke down Cypriot underdogs APOEL in Nicosia.

The Brazil international was introduced in the 63rd minute and set up Benzema for a 74th-minute opener before tucking away fellow sub Marcelo’s excellent cutback eight minutes later.

France striker Benzema’s second gave the scoreline an emphatic look.

Benzema was guilty of a shocking miss in the 33rd minute when he hung a foot out at Ronaldo’s low cross but stubbed the ball into the ground and it bounced over the bar.

Ronaldo sliced wide when picked out by Ozil as Real were held at bay until the interval.

Real finally went ahead in the 74th minute when Kaka crossed deliciously from the left and Benzema dived to head past Chiotis.

The keeper saved Ronaldo’s drive with his legs and then fumbled Kaka’s effort as Real sought a killer second goal.

And it duly arrived after 82 minutes as Marcelo was caught in the box by Paulo Jorge but cut the ball back for Kaka to slot home.

Benzema tucked away Ozil’s inviting low pass in the last minute as Real put the tie to bed ahead of the April 4 return leg.

APOEL NICOSIA: Chiotis, Poursaitides, Marcelo Oliveira (Kaka 13), Paulo Jorge, Boaventura, Morais, Pinto (Solari 72), Charalambidis, Trickovski, Alexandrou (Helder Sousa 46), Almeida.

REAL MADRID: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao (Marcelo 63), Khedira, Sahin (Granero 84), Benzema, Ozil, Ronaldo, Higuain (Kaka 63).

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany).