Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League knockout stage for the 25th year in a row after recording a relatively easy win over Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova.

David Alaba scored the game's first goal with a deflected free kick that beat goalie Giorgos Athanasiadis.

Toni Kroos added a second before the halftime whistle, blasting in off the crossbar, and Karim Benzema made it three with a sublime strike.

Real Madrid and Inter Milan, who overcame Shakhtar Donetsk earlier in the day, are both through with one game to spare in Group D.

The Italians claimed a 2-0 win as Edin Dzeko scored twice after the interval in a 2-0 win over Ukrainian opposition, Shakhtar Donetsk and will visit the tournament's most successful team in the final group game, with only the winner still to be chosen.

Carlo Ancelotti's squad leads the group with 12 points, two more than Inter, despite losing the reverse leg against Moldovan champions, Sheriff Tiraspol.