Real cruise past Osasuna into Cup quarters
17 Jan 2014 5:50 AM IST
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated winning his second Ballon d’Or earlier in the week with the opening goal, but he had Andres Fernandez to thank as the Osasuna ‘keeper parried the Portuguese’s long-range free-kick through his own legs and into the net.
Angel di Maria then wrapped up victory on the night with a neat finish from Jese Rodriguez’s cross to set up a meeting with Espanyol in the last eight. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti had made six changes to the side that beat Espanyol in La Liga at the weekend as Gareth Bale dropped to the bench.
However, there was to be no scares as Ronaldo killed the tie as a contest when his dipping free-kick proved too hot for Andres to handle on 21 minutes. Alvaro Cejudo was then unlucky not to take Osasuna in level at the break as he struck the post with a low left-footed drive before seeing Iker Casillas turn behind a similar effort moments later.
Madrid were in complete control after half-time, though, and Di Maria doubled their advantage with a side-footed finish after a determined run down the right by Jese. Bale was introduced for Ronaldo with half an hour remaining, but once again the Welshman failed to impress as the visitors settled for what they had in the latter stages.
Espanyol needed two goals in the last 10 minutes to overcome second division side Alcorcon 4-2 on the night to go through 4-3 on aggregate. Athletic Bilbao also set up a meeting with holders Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 aggregate win over Real Betis.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s opponents in the next round should they see off Getafe on Thursday will be Levante after they overcame Rayo Vallecano 1-0.
Milan move into LAST 8 in front of new boss Seedorf
MILAN: AC Milan got off to a winning start in front of new boss Clarence Seedorf with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Spezia at the San Siro to move into the quarterfinals of the Italian Cup on Wednesday. Keisuke Honda was among goals on his AC Milan debut, scoring the third with a tap-in on 47 minutes after a Robinho header and Pazzini’s volley effectively ended the contest in the space of three first-half minutes. Seedorf has signed two-year deal.
Angel di Maria then wrapped up victory on the night with a neat finish from Jese Rodriguez’s cross to set up a meeting with Espanyol in the last eight. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti had made six changes to the side that beat Espanyol in La Liga at the weekend as Gareth Bale dropped to the bench.
However, there was to be no scares as Ronaldo killed the tie as a contest when his dipping free-kick proved too hot for Andres to handle on 21 minutes. Alvaro Cejudo was then unlucky not to take Osasuna in level at the break as he struck the post with a low left-footed drive before seeing Iker Casillas turn behind a similar effort moments later.
Madrid were in complete control after half-time, though, and Di Maria doubled their advantage with a side-footed finish after a determined run down the right by Jese. Bale was introduced for Ronaldo with half an hour remaining, but once again the Welshman failed to impress as the visitors settled for what they had in the latter stages.
Espanyol needed two goals in the last 10 minutes to overcome second division side Alcorcon 4-2 on the night to go through 4-3 on aggregate. Athletic Bilbao also set up a meeting with holders Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 aggregate win over Real Betis.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s opponents in the next round should they see off Getafe on Thursday will be Levante after they overcame Rayo Vallecano 1-0.
Milan move into LAST 8 in front of new boss Seedorf
MILAN: AC Milan got off to a winning start in front of new boss Clarence Seedorf with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Spezia at the San Siro to move into the quarterfinals of the Italian Cup on Wednesday. Keisuke Honda was among goals on his AC Milan debut, scoring the third with a tap-in on 47 minutes after a Robinho header and Pazzini’s volley effectively ended the contest in the space of three first-half minutes. Seedorf has signed two-year deal.
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