Marco Asensio rose from the substitutes’ bench to give clinical Champions League holders Real Madrid a hard-earned 2-1 away win at lively Ajax in their round-of-16 opener.

The Eredivisie giants burst out the blocks, but Argentina left-back Nicolas Tagliafico was denied a first-half header because of the video-assistant referee. An offside Dusan Tadic, critically, impeded Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Los Blancos made the most of this let off on the hour mark when ex-France striker Karim Benzema blasted into the roof of the net from Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior’s pass. Ajax remained undaunted, however, and lively Morocco attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech soon converted David Neres’ cross.

A stalemate seemed likely until a sweeping Madrid counter-attack allowed right-back Dani Carvajal to produce a perfect centre for fellow Spain international Asensio to prod home at the back post.

REAL MADRID (4-3-3)

Thibaut Courtois 7 – Blushes were saved by VAR. But smothering Ziyech’s first-half shot was truly world class.

Dani Carvajal 8 – Spain right-back defended well. Played conservatively until final stages and delicious Asensio centre.

Nacho Fernandez 6 – Dependable, as usual. Flu-victim Raphael Varane wasn’t unduly missed.

Sergio Ramos 8 – Forced Tadic to slice first-half shot onto woodwork. Skipper was, quite simply, a tackling machine.

Sergio Reguilon 6 – Granted, slightly, more licence to advance. Didn’t do a great deal right, or wrong.

Luka Modric 6 – Ballon d’Or holder couldn’t cast a spell on game. Hectic nature didn’t play to his rarefied strengths.

Casemiro 6 – Plugged gaps amid the manic Ajax attack. But was far too soft when he hit deck to create Ajax equaliser.

Toni Kroos 6 – Same story as Modric. Saw more of the ball in second half. Denied many set-piece chances.

Gareth Bale 5 – Back in the XI and on right-hand side. Hooked early in second half. Could have few complaints.

Karim Benzema 7 – Sprung into life after interval. Unflinchingly rifled only good chance into goal. A 60th UCL strike.

Vinicius Junior 7 – Teenager was beacon of energy, buzzing up and down his flank. Superb jinking run played in Benzema.

SUBSTITUTES

Lucas Vazquez 5 – Given half an hour to prove himself better than Bale. Didn’t grasp chance.

Marco Asensio 5 – Chose good time to tap-in his first goal since September 22. Had five shots, two on target, in 18 minutes.

Mariano Diaz N/A – Barely touched ball after 81st-minute introduction.