Madrid - Rafael Nadal lived up to home hopes as the Spanish hero took aim at a second Madrid Masters title, polishing off Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-2 on Thursday in the tournament's third round.

Nadal, who is almost assured of keeping the world number one ranking through the season's end after lifting it off Roger Federer in August, was untroubled by France's Gasquet, who now trails 
6-0 in their series and has won just three sets.

The top seeded Spaniard needed less than 90 minutes to advance to the last eight, saving all four break points he faced.

Nadal is lined up for a grudge battle with compatriot Feliciano Lopez, who booked his spot as he put out Swiss tenth seed Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 6-4. Nadal's win was his 79th of the season as he bids for a ninth trophy in 2008.

US Open finalist Andy Murray reached the quarters to face Frenchman Gael Monfils, after saving three set points in a defeat of Croatian Marin Cilic 7-5, 7-6 (7-2).

The Scot was joined by another of the fast-rising new generation as 20-year-old Juan Del Potro knocked off Argentine Davis Cup teammate David Nalbandian 6-4, 6-2.

Murray said that his problem knee was jammed during the first set, and could cause a problem.

"As long as the pain is bearable, I'm ready to play," said the US Open finalist. "It was maybe the fourth point of the match," he explained. "He hit to my backhand and I felt the knee.

"I felt sore for most of first set. I've had this problem a lot during the years. I'll have to wait and see," he said prior to facing the winner from Andy Roddick and Gael Monfils.

Defending champion Nalbandian, winner of a title last week indoors in Stockholm, never looked like being in control against the on-fire Del Potro, winner of four straight ATP titles over the summer.

"Im thinking of Shanghai right now," said Del Potro of he eight-man Masters Cup which ends the season. "Its important for me, as it would be for any player.

"To be part of the best eight players in the world is not a small thing and I have the chance to be among them. I am thinking of Shanghai, but once I know if I have qualified or not," said the provisional eighth in the field.

France's Gilles Simon put himself in the running for one of four remaining spots, moving up to 11th as he outlasted American Robby Ginepri 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 7-6 (8-6).

Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Murray have already qualified for the wrap-up which starts on November 9.

Del Potro's victory over Nalbandian earned revenge for a defeat the then-teenager took in the Spanish capital a year ago against his compatriot. (dpa)