Benzema, Jese see Real virtually book quarterfinals
11 Jan 2014 6:20 AM IST
Karim Benzema got the hosts off to the perfect start when he headed in Luka Modric’s cross after 19 minutes. Jese Rodriguez then gave Madrid breathing space in the tie when he chipped home Cristiano Ronaldo’s pass after half-time.
And Madrid were only denied a third in comic circumstances moments later as Ronaldo deflected Gareth Bale’s goalbound effort behind. ‘Winning 2-0 is a good result. We tried to score the third and we were very close on a few occasions,’ said Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
‘The game in Osasuna will not be easy, but it is a good result going forward.’ Ancelotti named a strong side with Bale returning to the starting line-up for the first time in four games following a calf injury. Despite failing to find the net, the Welshman showed flashes of his best form in the second-half and Ancelotti is confident he will go from strength to strength having completed the 90 minutes.
‘Bale played very well and was very dangerous,’ he said. ‘Everyone knows he had injury problems and he is a player that needs to be in optimal condition. For that reason he played the whole game. ‘In the second-half the game was more open and it suited him more, but we are all very happy with him.’
Udinese stun Inter in Italian Cup
ROME: A goal from Brazilian Maicosuel gave Udinese a surprise 1-0 Italian Cup win over Inter Milan on Thursday while AS Roma also reached the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Sampdoria.
Maicosuel finished off an incisive passing move with a first-time shot from close range just after the half-hour mark to deny visiting Inter a likely derby tie with AC Milan in the last eight. Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan take on Serie B side Spezia at the San Siro on Wednesday.
And Madrid were only denied a third in comic circumstances moments later as Ronaldo deflected Gareth Bale’s goalbound effort behind. ‘Winning 2-0 is a good result. We tried to score the third and we were very close on a few occasions,’ said Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
‘The game in Osasuna will not be easy, but it is a good result going forward.’ Ancelotti named a strong side with Bale returning to the starting line-up for the first time in four games following a calf injury. Despite failing to find the net, the Welshman showed flashes of his best form in the second-half and Ancelotti is confident he will go from strength to strength having completed the 90 minutes.
‘Bale played very well and was very dangerous,’ he said. ‘Everyone knows he had injury problems and he is a player that needs to be in optimal condition. For that reason he played the whole game. ‘In the second-half the game was more open and it suited him more, but we are all very happy with him.’
Udinese stun Inter in Italian Cup
ROME: A goal from Brazilian Maicosuel gave Udinese a surprise 1-0 Italian Cup win over Inter Milan on Thursday while AS Roma also reached the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Sampdoria.
Maicosuel finished off an incisive passing move with a first-time shot from close range just after the half-hour mark to deny visiting Inter a likely derby tie with AC Milan in the last eight. Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan take on Serie B side Spezia at the San Siro on Wednesday.
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