(Source: Xinhua/AFP)

MADRID, April 13 -- Cristiano Ronaldo was again the hero as Real Madrid overturned a 2-0 first leg deficit at home to Wolfsburg to book their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Portuguese star' s 3rd European hat-trick of the season gave Madrid a 3-0 win and a 3-2 aggregate triumph to continue in to the last four against a German side which was uncharacteristically timid in the Santiago Bernabeu.

"We knew that we had to score three or more goals. It was an intense game, but we had it under control. We were more intense and had more chances on goal. We were the better team," said Ronaldo, who highlighted the effect of the atmosphere in the Bernabeu.

"The fans seem different on Champions League nights. There's always more life on Champions League nights. The players feel different as well and that's why it was a perfect night for us," he said.

The striker has been criticized this season despite his goals, but he said he always did his best on the pitch.

"People know that I always give everything. The numbers don't lie. I know that when you work hard, the results come," he commented, with a pointed comment for his critics.

"All in all, for a poor season, it's not so bad... I'm very happy. This is what we have been working hard for," he commented, adding that he would like to face Portuguese side, Benfica in the semi-finals.