Modric says Real Madrid showed 'huge character' to see off Chelsea

Luka Modric savoured a 'sweet tasting loss' after Real Madrid saw off a stirring Chelsea fightback to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals.

The Spanish giants suffered a 3-2 defeat after extra time in a thrilling second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday but went through 5-4 on aggregate.

Modric said his side had showed huge character. And he later tweeted 'Giving up is not an option'.

Giving up is not an option.

Modric told BT Sport: 'Unbelievable to describe this game. We were dead until the goal we scored. 

'Chelsea scored three goals, maybe the first a bit lucky from a deflection. I can't say we played badly. They used their chances well and scored the goals.

'We didn't give up. We kept believing, fighting and in the end showed huge character.' 

'It was another incredible night, what a sweet tasting loss. We didn't give up until the end. Despite going 0-3, I don't think we played a bad game. Another night of suffering, but the important thing is that we have qualified.'

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