Jese Rodriguez scored the only goal as Real Madrid eased into the last four of the Copa del Rey with a comfortable aggregate victory over Espanyol, who never came close to threatening a comeback in the tie.
Youngster Rodriguez further enhanced his claims for a regular place in the starting line-up, while Madrid’s clean sheet saw them set a new club record by completing their eighth consecutive game without conceding a goal.
Real will now meet the winners of the Athletic Bilbao-Atletico Madrid tie for a place in the final. Los Blancos were in total control from the opening whistle and it was no surprise when they doubled their aggregate advantage inside the opening 10 minutes.
Xabi Alonso was the instigator, sending a precise long pass into the path of Rodriguez, who controlled well before firing confidently inside the near post of Kiko Casilla.
Midway through the opening period Casilla did well to race from his goal and smother a powerful low strike from Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese star linked up with compatriot Fabio Coentrao.
Casilla again came to Espanyol’s rescue with a brilliant diving save after Angel Di Maria’s shot from 20 yards took a big deflection and flew towards the right-hand corner.
The only negative note for the hosts was a furious on-pitch argument between Alonso and teammate Alvaro Arbeloa after a rare attack from Espanyol, with Sergio Ramos forced to act as peacemaker.
Espanyol substitute Jhon Cordoba curled a shot over Iker Casillas’ crossbar as the visitors made a bright start to the second period. But the excellent Casilla was soon back in action to make another good save from Ronaldo’s fierce left-footed swipe, with the Portuguese reacting with a bewildered grin at his failure to beat the giant Espanyol keeper.
With both teams seemingly well aware that the outcome of the tie had already been decided, the tempo of the action subsided and the two sets of players effectively went through the motions during an eventful middle section of the second period.
Espanyol were reduced to 10 men for the final stages with the dismissal of combative midfielder Victor Sanchez.
Los Blancos continued to ease their passage through to the semifinals – where they will face either local rivals Atletico Madrid or Athletic Bilbao – on a pleasantly comfortable evening for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
