Jose Mourinho: "I have seen a lot of in football, it's hard to surprise me."

Real Madrid took a huge stride towards the Champions League semi-finals by brushing aside Galatasaray in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Cristiano Ronaldo handed the hosts an early lead by coolly chipping over goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Karim Benzema deftly controlled Michael Essien's cross to stroke in the second, before substitute Gonzalo Higuain nodded in after the break.

Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue wasted the Turkish champions' best chances.

Galatasaray were far from outclassed in the opening 70 minutes and created a number of decent opportunities, particularly in the first half, as they searched for a vital away goal.

Going into the tie Real boss Jose Mourinho had stressed the importance of Champions League success after conceding the Primera Division title was beyond his side - they trail leaders Barcelona by 13 points.

And his team, aiming for a record 24th semi-final appearance in Europe's premier club competition, made the perfect start against Galatasaray.

Much of the pre-match build-up had centred on the meeting between Drogba and his former Chelsea mentor Mourinho, and the Portuguese boss must have been concerned when the Ivorian forged a clear sight of goal shortly after Ronaldo's opener.