Zidane leads Madrid to 3-0 win on coaching anniversary

Zinedine Zidane was able to celebrate a year as coach at Real Madrid with a 3-0 win at home to Sevilla in the first leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey tie on Wednesday night.

Without the injured Gareth Bale, the French coach took the bold step of resting stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, and his courage paid off with a convincing display on Wednesday.

After doubts over his future at the Spanish capital, James Rodriguez starred in the comprehensive victory of Los Blancos. His brace helped Madrid cruise through the tie against a good Sevilla team.

Although Sevilla complained about the performance of referee Mateu Lahoz after he denied them what looked like a clear penalty for a foul on Victor Iborra by Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid led through an 11th minute goal from James Rodriguez, who needed to prove himself after a difficult few weeks.

Rafael Varane doubled their lead with a powerful header at the half-hour mark, and Rodriguez scored from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime.