Madrid wary of wounded Galatasaray
Thursday, April 4, 2013
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A 3-0 triumph against Galatasaray AŞ leaves Real Madrid CF in a comfortable position going into the second leg but the Merengues are aware that difficulties await in Istanbul.
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There were smiles all round from Real Madrid CF's players as they emerged from their 3-0 quarter-final victory against Galatasaray AŞ. As important as netting three times against the Turkish visitors was, keeping a first clean sheet in this season's UEFA Champions League also delighted the Merengues, who are now strong favourites to reach a third straight semi-final though they know there is work to do in Istanbul.
Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid defender
I'm really happy with the outcome of tonight's game – a 3-0 win is very pleasing. It was a match we played in a very serious manner. We looked to come out of the blocks and go for it from the first minute. We also managed not to concede which means we can go to Turkey in an even more assured frame of mind. We cannot take progress for granted, however, as that would be disrespectful. We know it will be a tricky over there. They have a very big advantage playing at home – their fans who will be fully behind them despite tonight's result.
Raphaël Varane, Real Madrid defender
We are satisfied with our efforts but don't forget we are only halfway through this tie. We will have to put in a solid performance away from home to seal qualification. Not conceding a goal tonight was important for us. We played well collectively and gave away very few spaces to their forwards. We want to win the UEFA Champions League this season but we must take things one step at a time.
Gonzalo Higuaín, Real Madrid forward
We knew beforehand we had to get a good result in order to go into the return leg feeling a bit calmer. We are aware that the game in Istanbul will be hard and that our opponents will be up for it from the off. That said, tonight's scoreline is a great one for us.
Ángel Di María, Real Madrid attacker
A win – and a win by three goals – is massive for us. Galatasaray played well but we did what we had to do and for that reason, and the fact that we worked hard, we have taken this significant advantage. We're in a very good position now to get through to the semi-finals.
