SOFIA, Bulgaria - Real Madrid needed a 77th minute goal from substitute Karim Benzema to win 2-1 at Champions League newcomer Ludogorets on Wednesday, after Cristiano Ronaldo missed one penalty before making amends with a second spot kick.

Unfazed by the star-studded visitors in its first home game in Europe's top-tier competition, Ludogorets surprised the defending 10-time champion by taking the lead in the sixth minute.

Ronaldo squandered his first chance to level when his penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper Vladislav Stoyanov in the 10th. But the Ballon d'Or holder didn't miss a second time from the spot in the 24th.

With Ludogorets holding its own, Benzema went on in the 67th and volleyed in Marcelo's cross to secure Madrid's second victory in Group B in its title defence.