Real Madrid scored three times without reply to record a 3-0 win over Galatasaray in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday.
Madrid led after nine minutes following a wonderful finish from Cristiano Ronaldo, before Karim Benzema made it two just before the 30-minute mark.
Galatasaray continued to create chances in the second period, but it was 3-0 to the Spanish outfit after 73 minutes when Gonzalo Higuain found the back of the net with a header.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two European rivals.
Match statistics:
Real Madrid:
Shots: 11
On target: 7
Possession: 50%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 16
Galatasaray:
Shots: 11
On target: 4
Possession: 50%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 17
Was the result fair?
On the balance of play, it is difficult to argue that Galatasaray deserved to take anything from the match. The Turkish outfit were impressive in the first period, but fizzled out after the break. They were perhaps worth an away goal, but even that would have been generous with Madrid in total control. Unfortunately, the tie looks to be over ahead of the second leg.
Real Madrid's performance
The La Liga outfit were more professional than spectacular this evening, but they were clinical with their finishing. You got the feeling that they could have moved through the gears at any moment, but they had more than enough to score three goals without reply. Bar a minor miracle, Jose Mourinho's side will be in the semi-final draw.
Galatasaray's performance
The Turkish outfit promised much following an impressive start to the match, but their willingness to attack was their undoing as they left huge gaps in defence. The shape of the team was good, but they played into Madrid's hands, who are perhaps the best counter-attacking team in world football. That said, they will take plenty of performances from their Champions League campaign.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Xabi Alonso: The Spanish midfielder was the pick of the Madrid players this evening as he dictated the tempo from the middle of the pitch. The Spanish champions are just not the same side without him. He is the individual that provides the link between the defence and attack.
Biggest gaffe
Emmanuel Eboue had an absolute horror show in the build-up to Madrid's second goal. For some reason the right-back allowed Michael Essien's cross to move over his head, before Benzema simply controlled and found the back of the net. Not the Ivorian's finest moment.
Referee performance
Svein Moen had a fairly successful 90 minutes of action this evening. The Norwegian had a comfortable first half of action with neither team making too many challenges, but his involvement was greater in the second period. He might have awarded the away side a penalty late on when Burak Yilmaz was felled in the box, but instead he booked the Turk for diving.
What next?
Real Madrid: Madrid will attempt to continue their pursuit of second position in La Liga when they welcome Levante on Saturday.
Galatasaray: The Turkish outfit also return to domestic action this weekend with a home clash against Mersin Idmanyurdu.
Matt Law
