Schmelzer revels in win over Real

Robert Lewandowski gave the home side a 36th-minute lead, before Cristiano Ronaldo levelled the scores two minutes later.

However, full-back Schmelzer was on hand to volley home in the 64th minute and send his side top of Group D with seven points.

A victory at the Bernabeu in a fortnight will send it through to the knockout stage.

"It is an incredibly great night," said Schmelzer. "It is a dream come true when you beat Real Madrid at home.

"Then to score the winning goal – I don't think I will sleep at all."

The result came only days after a 2-1 defeat to Schalke in the Bundesliga left it 12 points off leader Bayern Munich.

"This win shows the critics that not only can we hold our own in Europe, but we can even beat teams like Real Madrid," added Schmelzer to Sky television. "This is a satisfaction for us."

It was particularly satisfying for the German full-back, who was criticised by Germany coach Joachim Low following its match against Austria in September.

Low made an apology for the harshness of his comments and Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp was full of praise following the win over Real.

"Congratulations to Germany for having such a left full-back," he said. "What Marcel Schmelzer did is from another planet."