London - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard saluted a "fantastic team performance" after his side thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 on Tuesday.

Already 1-0 up from the first leg, Liverpool advanced stylishly to the quarter-finals, suggesting their post-Christmas wobble may be over.

For Madrid, this was their biggest-ever Champions League defeat.

"The first 30 minutes we were awesome," Gerrard said.

"We got the job done, and then in the second half it was just about seeing it out."

Liverpool trail Premier League leaders Manchester United by seven points - and have played a game more - but could close the gap as they face their north-west rivals at Old Trafford on Sunday.

"First and foremost, it's about enjoying tonight," Gerrard said.

"We need to get some rest, get some treatment, then we can concentrate on Manchester United.

"It's going to be a difficult game. They're a fantastic team, but we're confident after tonight and we know we can give it our best shot."

Liverpool were emphatic victors, doubling their first-leg advantage after 16 minutes as Fernando Torres converted Dirk Kuyt's cross.

Gerrard marked his 100th European appearance with the next two - the first from the penalty spot, the second calmly side-footed into the top corner from Ryan Babel's cross.

The much-mocked Andrea Dossena, on as a substitute, made it 4-0 with two minutes remaining from Javier Mascherano's square ball.

For Torres, who played with heavy strapping on his injured ankle, the victory was particularly sweet.

"I was working all week to stay fit," the Spain striker said. "I wanted to play Madrid because of my past with Atletico. The pain doesn't matter

"It's a massive game for the fans and it's a victory for them." dpa