Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has praised the squad strength within the club following the 3-0 win over APOEL in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday night. Real Madrid were coming into the match without the likes of Lassana Diarra and Xabi Alonso, who are the influential members of the team in the centre of midfield. Despite the lack of such players, Real Madrid managed to lay 1 foot on the semifinals of the Champions League following the 3-0 win. This away victory means that Real Madrid also maintain their impressive goal-per-game ratio, which is currently just over three goals per game.

Real Madrid now have the possibility of facing either Bayern Munich or Marseille in the semifinals of the Champions League. Real Madrid manager José Mourinho selected Sahin in the absence of Alonso and Diarra. Sergio Ramos then praised the impact Sahin had on a match by saying that it was one of the reasons for Real Madrid to be so successful this season. Real Madrid are currently top of the Spanish league with a six-point advantage over second placed Barcelona. Even though they enjoyed a very commanding 10 point lead only a few weeks ago, Ramos still reckons that this lead will be hard to eat into.

“We know each other well and are aware of having a large and quality squad. Those who haven’t played much for different reasons always step up when needed. Sahin should be congratulated for his performance. Xabi Alonso is very important, but we have many and excellent players. Results always help calm things down. People said there was a crisis after two draws and we have to step away from that,” the defender said on the official website of Real Madrid. Real Madrid will be facing Osasuna during the weekend.