Real continue perfect start with 1-0 win over Partizan

Real Madrid continued their smooth progress towards the knock-out stages of the Champions League by easing to a third victory in three games with a 1-0 win over Partizan Belgrade in Group F on Wednesday.

Real cruised in the first half as Partizan sat back and concentrated on getting men behind the ball, but still managed to go in front six minutes before the break when Raul got the faintest of touches to a Luis Figo header after a David Beckham corner.

It was the Spanish international's 45th goal in the Champions League, bringing him to within four goals of the record set by Real great Alfredo di Stefano.

The Serbia and Montenegro champions, who failed to create a single chance in the first half at the Bernabeu, were more adventurous after the break and had several early chances with striker Ljubinko Drulovic going close when he blasted a first-time shot just over the bar.

But Real remained firmly in control and had several chances to extend their lead, Figo sending a swirling shot narrowly over the bar, Beckham firing straight at keeper Djordje Pantic and Ronaldo going close with a stinging 20-metre effort.

Partizan somehow managed to keep Real at bay, though, thanks in large part to an outstanding display from Pantic, but their chances of qualification remain slim after taking just one point from their first three matches.