(CNN) -- No team has ever retained the Champions League title since the competition was revamped in 1992 -- but perhaps, finally, this will be the year. 

Karim Benzema ensured Real Madrid's place in the last-16 by firing his side to a 1-0 win over Liverpool to make it four wins from four. 

The France international netted a 27th minute winner after Real was made to work hard against a much-changed visiting side. 

Cristiano Ronaldo, who wasted a number of opportunities, was left frustrated after failing to overturn Raul's Champions League goals record. 

Ronaldo remains on 70, one behind Raul, while his chief rival, Barcelona's Lionel Messi, plays tomorrow. 

Messi, who has 69, faces Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday and could leapfrog the Portugal star. 

Real's 12th successive victory was more labored than most would have expected given the side's previous encounter. 

A fortnight ago, Real rolled into Anfield, a venue where it had never managed a victory, and blew LIverpool away within first 41 minutes of the contest. 

Led by Ronaldo, Real scored three times in the first half before playing out the remainder of the contest in second gear. 

Since then, Real has continued its fine form, defeating Barcelona in the Clasico and extending its winning streak to 11 games in succession. 

Its fortunes could scarcely be any more different to those of Liverpool, a club whose season is already in danger of unraveling. 

Since the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, Liverpool, which finished second in the Premier League last season, has endured a dismal period in which the success of last year appears nothing but a distant memory. 
Who is the player that is the hero of this story?
Karim Benzema