MADRID — Real Madrid was on course for a place in the King's Cup semifinals after securing a 2-0 first-leg victory over Valencia at the Bernabeu Tuesday. Karim Benzema scored just before the break and an own-goal from Andres Guardado in the 74th minute gave Jose Mourinho's side the advantage in the quarterfinal ahead of next week's return at the Mestalla. Holder Barcelona was at home to Malaga Wednesday, when Real Zaragoza plays Sevilla, and the other last-eight first leg is Thursday when Atletico Madrid receives Real Betis. After a recent poor run of form, Mourinho's name once again was met with a mixture of whistles and applause before kickoff as he took charge of the 600th top-flight match of his career. Brazil full back Marcelo was back in the side after almost three months out with a foot injury but first-choice center-backs Sergio Ramos and Pepe were missing through suspension and injury respectively. Luka Modric fluffed an early chance for the host and Iker Casillas pulled off a great reflex save to deny Jonas. As so often happens with Real, a close chance at one end turned into a goal at the other, as Michael Essien burst away on a counter-attack. He fed Sami Khedira, who immediately laid off for Benzema and the host was 1-0 up in the 37th minute. Valencia carved the perfect opportunity to equalize midway through the second half, after good work by Ever Banega, but when Casillas parried Roberto Soldado's shot Jonas fired wide of the gaping goal. As with the first goal, Real immediately struck back. Substitute Fabio Coentrao's low cross was turned into the net by a combination of Guardado and Gonzalo Higuain as the two slid in at the near post, the Argentine getting the final touch with his hand. Valencia keeper Vicente Guaita denied Ronaldo with two magnificent saves toward the end to keep his side's hopes alive in the tie. Inter goes through Andrea Ranocchia scored in the last minute of extra-time to give Inter Milan a 3-2 Italian Cup win over Bologna whose fightback from two goals down proved in vain Tuesday. — Agencies
