Cristiano Ronaldo fired in a first-half goal as Real Madrid edged bitter city rivals Atletico 1-0 on Thursday to reach the Spanish Cup semi-finals 4-1 on aggregate. Real will tackle holders Sevilla in the last four while Barcelona, who saw off Real Betis 6-3 on aggregate, despite losing the second leg of their quarter-final 3-1 on Wednesday, will meet Almeria.
Almeria had seen off Deportivo La Coruna 4-2 on aggregate in their last eight encounter. Ronaldo, the Spanish League's top scorer, found the target in the 23rd minute from eight yards. Xabi Alonso created the goal with a sweet, crossfield pass to Sergio Ramos who in turn found the unmarked Ronaldo.
Atletico, last year's runners-up, were desperately disappointing and created few chances on their home ground having lost 3-1 in the first leg last week. Fran Merida had Atletico's best opportunity but fired weakly into the arms of Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas in the 51st minute.
Real's win came just hours after general manager Jorge Valdano Thursday denied reports of a rift between him and coach Jose Mourinho. Rumours of friction between the two were fuelled by comments Valdano made after Madrid's shock 1-1 draw against bottom club Almeria on Sunday, a result which left them four points behind league leaders Barcelona.