Benzema leaves Real Madrid well placed to reach cup final

MADRID - Real Madrid are well placed to reach the final of the Spanish King’s Cup after a 1-0 win away to dull Sevilla Wednesday, in a tense, disjointed semi-final first leg clash.

The only goal in the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan was a handsome solo strike from Karim Benzema. The French forward took a short pass in midfield from Mesut Oezil, powered his way past defender Alexis, skipped inside Julien Escude and scored with a precise left-foot shot.

It was Benzema’s best goal since joining Real from Lyon in 2009, and will help his attempt to keep his place ahead of new signing Emmanuel Adebayor.

Sevilla are the cup holders but will now need to win in Madrid, Feb 2, to keep alive their chances of retaining the trophy.

Real coach Jose Mourinho suffocated Sevilla with a cautious 4-4-2 lineup, with Sevilla wingers Jesus Navas and Diego Perotti well under control.

Just before half-time Real defender Raul Albiol had to clear a shot from Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano off the goal-line. This was the only clear chance that scrappy Sevilla created.

Xabi Alonso went close to making it 2-0 for the visitors with an adventurous long shot, Ricardo Carvalho had a header well saved by Sevilla’s veteran keeper Andres Palop.

Later Wednesday, league leaders Barcelona were due to take on unfancied Almeria, the surprise package of this season’s cup.

Barca have not faced Real in a cup final since 1990, but Real’s defeat of Sevilla has now made this a distinct possibility.