MX23RW : Wednesday, January 22 15:44:07| >> :60:2655:2655:

Real Madrid gain Galatasaray advantage

Real Madrid defeat Galatasaray 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid have beaten Galatasaray 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain were all on the scoresheet as the Spaniards gave themselves the advantage against their Turkish opponents.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring his side's second goal in their Champions League match against Galatasaray on April 3, 2013© AP Photos

The hosts took the lead in the ninth minute when Ronaldo lifted the ball over the onrushing Fernando Muslera.

Didier Drogba had two chances to get the visitors level, but he fired one effort over before seeing his second kept out by Diego Lopez.

Madrid doubled their advantage on 29 minutes as Benzema capitalised on some sloppy Galatasaray defending to slot in from close range.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema scores his side's second goal in their Champions League match against Galatasaray on April 3, 2013© AP Photos

Both sides showed plenty of attacking intent at the start of the second half and the home team should have made it 3-0 just after the hour when Angel di Maria shot straight into the arms of Muslera.

However, Madrid finally got a third goal in the 73rd minute as substitute Higuain headed in Xabi Alonso's cross.

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Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal against Real Sociedad on January 6, 2013
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