Champions League: Ronaldo strikes twice, Liverpool falter

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both scored twice as holders Real Madrid crushed APOEL 6-0 in Nicosia on Tuesday to seal a place in the Champions League last 16.

Luka Modric volleyed Zinedine Zidane's team into the lead on 23 minutes before Real floored Cypriot champions APOEL with five goals in a 15-minute blitz either side of half-time.

The record 12-time winners had to wait until the 23rd minute to take the lead through Luka Modric, but a run of five goals in 15 minutes either side of half-time sent them through in style.

Karim Benzema put worries about his recent form to bed with a double either side of a Nacho effort, before Ronaldo got in on the act after the break.

The Portuguese climbed highest to power a header into the corner from an inviting Marcelo cross.

Sevilla produced a stunning fightback from a three-goal half-time deficit to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool on Tuesday thanks to Guido Pizarro's stoppage-time equaliser.

Roberto Firmino scored twice as Jurgen Klopp's side looked set to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in nine years and seal top spot in Group E with a three-goal blitz in the first half-hour, with Sadio Mane also netting.