Champions League: Cristiano Ronaldo's brace helps Real Madrid begin title defence with 3-0 win over APOEL Nicosia

Portugal's star striker Cristiano Ronaldo put up a stellar performance on his return to top flight football by scoring twice for title holders Real Madrid in their Champions League opener against APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday.

Real started their title defence with a 3-0 win over APOEL Nicosia after Ronaldo put them ahead in just 12 minutes from Gareth Bale's low cross.
The Portuguese doubled his tally from the penalty spot before Sergio Ramos's overhead kick rounded off the scoring.

Real move to the top of Group H alongside Tottenham Hotspur, who ended their Wembley hoodoo with an impressive 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund.

Ronaldo described the length of his ban as "persecution" on the part of the Spanish football federation and his absence has been felt by Real in profligate performances in being held at home by Valencia and Levante.

Real boss Zinedine Zidane admitted that the club's failure to replace Alvaro Morata had left his striking options limited, particularly in the absence of Karim Benzema through a hamstring injury.