It took the La Liga side 74 minutes to open the scoring after some staunch defending from the hosts at GSP Stadium, but the introduction of Kaka turned things in their favour as the Brazilian assisted Karim Benzema's to their opening goal before adding the game's second himself.

Mourinho said it was a brave performance from the Cypriot side, but he also reserved praise for his own players.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Mourinho said: "It took many minutes to score the first goal, but APOEL were performing very well.

"We won the match because we played well. APOEL were great defensively and they had great team spirit.

"We give 100 percent so we can win. What APOEL are doing is fantastic."

Mourinho was pleased with the impact made by the introduction of Kaka and Marcelo - as their substitutions galvanised the side and ultimately made the difference.

"We knew it was going to be a complicated match but sending on Kaka and Marcelo was decisive," he said.

"We were serious and we played well. This shows how much respect we have for APOEL.

"I would like to show the same respect at the (Santiago) Bernabeu. They are the most important team of this Champions League."

Mourinho looks set to continue his perfect quarter-final record as Madrid host APOEL in the return leg in Spain next week with a comfortable three-goal advantage.

And APOEL boss Ivan Jovanovic conceded that Madrid already had one foot in the semi-finals.

Jovanovic had no complaints about the final scoreline and was full of praise for a Madrid team that he believes is bound for Munich.

"The result was fair," the Serbian said.

"We tried to contain them but they upped their tempo towards the end and we couldn't hold on.

"Madrid are in the semi-finals; there is no question about that. I even believe that they will reach the final and, hopefully, win it.

"It was very gratifying to play against a team like Real Madrid. We all saw first-hand what a quality side they are.

"You could say this game was a crowning moment for the fantastic campaign we produced this season in the competition.

"My players have done themselves proud throughout this campaign and once again against superior opponents like Madrid."