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Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio were on target as Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win over Ajax in the Champions League last-16 first leg in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n
But the reigning champions, seeking a fourth straight title, were given a major scare by the only team left in the competition who had to come through qualifying.<\/p>\n
Four-time winners Ajax, in the knockout stages for the first time in 13 years, dominated for long spells.<\/p>\n
In a vibrant display they hit the woodwork, tested Thibaut Courtois frequently and had a goal ruled out by the video assistant referee before Benzema struck.<\/p>\n
Hakim Ziyech then equalized for Ajax, only for substitute Asensio to grab the winner three minutes from the end.<\/p>\n
Real travelled to Holland full of confidence after a 3-1 win against Atl\u00e9tico Madrid at the weekend, their sixth victory in a seven-game unbeaten run.<\/p>\n
Gareth Bale was back in their starting line-up and the Welshman was teed up for an early chance by Luka Modric, but curled his shot straight at Ajax keeper Andre Onana.<\/p>\n
Moments later Ajax threatened and Noussair Mazraoui was played in by Dusan Tadic only to screw his shot across goal and wide.<\/p>\n
Onana was in action again after 15 minutes to tip over a fierce angled drive from Brazilian teenager Vinicius Junior.<\/p>\n
But Tadic came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when he held off Sergio Ramos only to see his shot come back off the foot of a post.<\/p>\n
Ajax were by now well on top and another slick passing move put Ziyech through on goal but Courtois came out well to block.<\/p>\n
The hosts thought they had taken a deserved lead when, from the corner, Courtois made a mess of claiming a header and Nicolas Tagliafico nodded in the rebound.<\/p>\n
However, a lengthy VAR review eventually ruled out the goal with Tadic, marginally offside, standing in front of the Real keeper as the ball looped in.<\/p>\n
Early in the second half Benzema tested Onana with a low shot on the tun, before Ajax broke down the other end and David Neres fired too close to Courtois.<\/p>\n
But just before the hour mark Benzema made the breakthrough with his 60th Champions League goal on his 450th Real appearance.<\/p>\n
Vinicius chased a ball over the top down the left wing and cut inside before finding Benzema, who sent an unerring finish across Anona and high into the net.<\/p>\n
Ajax were not finished, though, and with 15 minutes left they sliced Real open again with Ziyech converting a low cross from Neres.<\/p>\n
However, Asensio converted the winner when he met a stunning delivery from Dani Carvajal at the far post.<\/p>\n