On a sparse night for quality Champions League matches, the undoubted main event was in Germany as Real Madrid made the trip to Westfalenstadion to face Borussia Dortmund.
In a breathless opening period both sides had chances to take the lead, but it took a piece of magic from Gareth Bale to break the deadlock.
The Wales international side-footed a volley into the top right corner past Roman Burki. The pass from right-back Dani Carvajal was inch perfect, which Bale immediately recognised.
The goal is only Bale's third of the season, and his first in the Champions League. It also eases the pressure on him, with constant reports of his departure from the Bernabeu next summer.
Such is the fluidity of Madrid's attack, Bale was named to start on the right-hand side of a three-pronged attack including Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco, but he popped up on the left for the goal.
Real Madrid led 1-0 at half-time, thanks to the Bale strike.
