Real Madrid reach Champions League quarterfinals in seven years

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring against Olympique Lyon during their second leg round of 16 Champions League soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid March 16, 2011.

MADRID, March 16 -- Real Madrid reached the last eight of the Champions League for the first time in seven years after beating Olympique Lyon 3-0 in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Wednesday night.

Goals from Marcelo Da Silva, Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria mean Madrid will be in Friday's quarterfinal draw after qualifying 4-1 on aggregate.

As expected Cristiano Ronaldo was back in the Real Madrid starting 11 in which Karim Benzema was chosen to lead the attack ahead of Emmanuel Adebayor.

Sami Khedira also returned in central midfield, where he partnered Xabi Alonso. Lyon meanwhile had Lisandro Lopez back to lead their attack, while influential midfielder Yoann Gorcuff shook off some physical problems to take his place in the side.

As in all of this week's Champions League matches this week, the crowd and players observed a minute's silence in respect for the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

Real Madrid had the first chance of the game through Marcelo, but Lyon soon showed that they believed they could qualify for the quarterfinals and began to control the ball in the middle of the park.

Real Madrid defender Pepe saw a yellow card after eight minutes, which means he will be suspended for his side's next European match, while Ricardo Carvalho was also booked midway through the half, just before Iker Casillas had to save a decent chance from Lyon's Cesar Delgado.

At the other end Mesut Ozil gave Madrid some attacking presence and Hugo Lloris had to save a powerful shot from Ronaldo after 25 minutes.

Madrid looked to be suffering, but Marcelo Da Silva put them ahead with an excellent solo goal after 37 minutes. The defender took a pass from Ronaldo and beat two defenders before scoring with a left foot shot.

The goal gave the Spanish side confidence and Lloris did well to save a Benzema header, just before the striker had a goal ruled out for a clear offside.

The former Lyon striker finally got his goal after 65 minutes. A defensive error left him with just Lloris to beat, which he did with a smart right foot shot.

Di Maria added a third with 14 minutes left after a good control and smart chip and Madrid had finally ended their last 16 Champions League jinx.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema (2nd R) heads the ball into Olympique Lyon's goal past Olympique Lyon's Dejan Lovren (R), Olympique Lyon's Aly Cissokho (C) and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos during their second leg round of 16 Champions League soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid March 16, 2011. The goal was disallowed.

Real Madrid's Marcelo (R) and Ricardo Carvalho acknowledge supporters as they wear shirts giving courage to Barcelona's player Adibal, who is to undergo surgery, at the end of their second leg round of 16 Champions League soccer match against Olympique Lyon at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid March 16, 2011.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema (L) scores past Olympique Lyon's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris during their second leg round of 16 Champions League soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid March 16, 2011.

(Reuters)