Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is delighted with his progress this season.

Varane will start in tonight's Champions League clash with Galatasaray.

"I think it's a major step that will give me experience and I feel good. It's good for me and I'll have to take advantage of it in order to continue growing," said the French youngster.

Asked if a year ago he could have imagined playing in the quarterfinals of Europe's top competition, Varane replied: "Not last year. I was working every day and I never thought of reaching this goal so quickly. Being here now is a great joy and I want to keep getting better in order to play even more."