Defending champions Real Madrid hit Galatasaray with a three-goal first-half blitz to send an ominous warning to their Champions League rivals.

Striker Raul netted twice and Ivan Helguera headed the other as the Spaniards proved they will not easily surrender their European crown.

The home side's triple strike set up the 5-3 aggregate triumph to book a semi-final showdown with Bayern Munich.

Inspired by over 100,000 fans inside the Bernabeu, the writing was on the wall for the Turkish side the moment Raul beat the diving Claudio Taffarel to Michel Salgado's cross in the 15th minute.

The Spanish international forward slid in front of the Brazilian to level the aggregate score from five yards out.

Real were in front in the tie 13 minutes later through Helguera's header.

The defender rose highest at the near post to powerfully plant Luis Figo's corner into the roof of the net.

The home side continued to break Galatasaray resistance and were three-up eight minutes before the break.

Steve McManaman surged forward to the edge of the penalty box before threading a neat ball through to Raul.

The striker grabbed his second of the night by beating Taffarel with a first time left-foot shot from seven yards.

REAL MADRID: Casillas, Salgado, Hierro, Karanka, Carlos (Solari 90), Figo (Savio 86), Makelele, Helguera, McManaman, Guti (Conceicao 76), Raul. Subs Not Used: Cesar, Geremi, Munitis, Celades. Goals: Raul 15, Helguera 28, Raul 37.

GALATASARAY: Taffarel, Korkmaz, Akyel, Davala, Suat (Akin 46), Sas (Arif 67), Belozoglu, Buruk, Asik, Jardel, Hagi. Subs Not Used: Inan, Inceefe, Yilderim, Atalay, Aykut. Booked: Buruk, Davala, Sas, Akyel, Korkmaz.

Referee: Anders Frisk (Sweden).