News Archive

Copa del Rey, semi finals, first leg

Atlético Madrid are virtually sure of a place in this season's cup final after a 4-0 victory over Racing Santander. Quique's side started strongly, Tiago hitting the post before Simao got on the end of Agüero's cross to open the scoring in only the ninth minute. Agüero and Forlán both brought good saves out of Coltorti a few minutes later, and with the first half coming to a close Reyes made it two after Christian and Serrano failed to deal with Simao's cross. Visiting coach Portugal brought on Toni Moral and Tchité soon after the restart, and Moral almost set up Canales to get one back. But Simao rattled the woodwork with a well struck free kick, and Atlético went further ahead with a more than dubious Diego Forlán penalty after Moral brought down Jurado a yard outside of the penalty area. Ten minutes later Forlán converted his second penalty after Torrejón brought down Agüero, this time well inside the area, and the tie was virtually over. (04.02.10)

Sevilla took a big step towards a place in the semi-finals after a 2-0 victory over Getafe on Wednesday night. The visitors dominated the opening minutes, but even so the crowd were perplexed when coach Manolo Jiménez took off on-form striker Negredo a few minutes before half time to bring on midfielder Romaric. However in the next five minutes they created more chances than in the previous forty, with Ustari having to make the save of the night from Luis Fabiano. And with the first half in injury time Luis Fabiano got on the end of Adriano's cross to send a looping header over Ustari. Honours were shared after the break until ten minutes before the end, when Mario deflected a Jesús Navas cross past his own keeper for Sevilla's second goal. A good result for the home side, and Jiménez's brave decision paid off in the end. (03.02.10)