Watch: Real Madrid seizes control vs. Napoli behind Kroos, Casemiro
Defending Champions League winner Real Madrid continued its quest to become the first side to repeat since AC Milan in 1989 and 1990, coming from behind to beat Napoli 3-1 in the first leg of their round-of-16 series.
Toni Kroos and Casemiro scored fantastic goals in the second half, following up Karim Benzema's equalizer, and Real Madrid will carry the two-goal edge into the second leg in Naples next month.
It started off quite well for Napoli, though, as Lorenzo Insigne stunned Real Madrid early on with a heads-up play. Catching Keylor Navas off his line, the Napoli forward curled a long-range effort by the Costa Rica goalkeeper and in to shock the crowd at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and give Napoli an away goal in the eight minute.
Benzema struck back for Real Madrid though, heading home after a perfect cross from Dani Carvajal to make it 1-1 in the 18th.
Real Madrid took its first lead of the day shortly after halftime, with Ronaldo beautifully setting up Toni Kroos for the go-ahead strike in the 49th minute.
That lead grew to 3-1 on an unbelievable hit from Casemiro, who had a clearance bounce his way. He unleashed a ferocious one-time volley by Pepe Reina to extend the advantage in sensational fashion.
Napoli will host the second leg on March 7, taking consolation from its away goal.
