Fatih Terim: "Real" is almost in the semifinals."

Real Madrid’s pursuit of la decima, a 10th European Cup, continues to gather pace. They were far too intelligent and potent on the counter-attack for Fatih Terim’s Galatasaray, who were far too disorganised defensively.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, inevitably, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuaín put Madrid in total charge of this tie.

“Knowing the mentality of Turkey and Fatih, they will do all they can to get through and do something historic,’’ said Real’s coach, Jose Mourinho.

Galatasaray tried to equalise, and Drogba tested Diego Lopez but they were so vulnerable to the sort of precise, quick counter-attacks that Madrid specialise in under Mourinho.

The coach’s decisions were all working out. Having selected Michael Essien ahead of Alvaro Arbeloa, Mourinho was rewarded when Essien crossed from the right, Eboué failed to get close to Benzema, who scored.

The Turkish fans were quietened momentarily, before sounding the drums again and lighting eight flares.

Madrid were in control, comfortably withstanding occasional Galatasaray attacks. When Drogba crossed, Burak Yilmaz shot wide. Eboué shot straight at Diego Lopez. Even when Galatasaray threatened, Varane was on hand to shepherd the ball away or Alonso and Sami Khedira were back covering.

Real edged closer to a record 24th semi-final in this glittering competition. Making the next stage would be a seventh Champions League semi-final for Mourinho, equalling Sir Alex Ferguson’s record.