The Portugal international was pleased with his side’s progression to the Champions League semi-finals after a 5-3 aggregate win over Galatasaray

Pepe believes that progressing to the Champions League semi-finals was all that mattered during Real Madrid’s 5-3 aggregate win over Galatasaray.

Jose Mourinho’s men were beaten 3-2 by Gala at the Turk Telekom Arena on Tuesday, but still comfortably progressed to the semi-finals after winning the first leg 3-0 last week.

“The most important thing is that we have got through to the next round,” the Portugal defender was quoted as saying on the club’s official website.

“The team fought hard and made a big effort. We are very happy to get through the tie.

“In the first half we started very well. It is true that we dropped the intensity a little in the second half and we weren’t as good, but we improved at the end.”

The defender then went on to praise Cristiano Ronaldo following his double on Tuesday.

“He’s amazing. He’s doing a great job, he helps us a lot and we hope he keeps doing so.”

Ronaldo has netted 11 goals in 10 Champions League appearances so far this term.