Cypriot Champions League sensation APOEL have experienced their first major blow of this year`s campaign in their first leg against Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Despite the final score, 3-0, Madrid could not break the deadlock until the 74th minute of the match as everything pointed to a draw at that stage.

However, some timely substitutions by Jose Mourinho ensured victory for his side with French international Karim Benzema posting a brace and a Brazilian midfielder Kaka adding another one to record a crushing win for the nine-time European Champions.

"We knew it that the last part of the game would be difficult for them and we know that for Kaka and Marcelo to come in when the other team was a bit tired, was the right moment to do it. Again there was the possibility of a 0-0 because they were very organized in defense," Mourinho stressed after the game.

Meanwhile, APOEL head coach admitted there is now almost no chance of qualifying to the next round for his team, but promised to deliver battle in Madrid.

"Surely things will be harder for us there (at Bernabeu), but as a team, like always, we`ll give our best in the game so we can bid farewell to the Champions League in the best possible way," IvanJovanovic said.

In the other quarterfinal pair, Chelsea are returning with an important away goal at Benfica. It was also scoreless in Lisbon for 75 minutes. However, the team`s attacking duet of Fernando Torres and Salomon Kalou ensured victory for Londoners.

Benfica don`t lose their hopes of beating the Blues on their home soil though.

"We didn`t deserve to lose here today. We were the best team for most ofthe game, we produced most of the chances," Benfica coach Jorge Jesus said."We`re not out yet. We can still turn this around."
sections: Sport