Birthday boy starts Madrid party

Robinho celebrated his 22nd birthday with a goal as Real Madrid CF defeated Real Betis Balompié 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu, easing into the Copa del Rey semi-finals 2-0 on aggregate.

Cool finish
The Brazilian cut inside a defender and side-footed coolly past goalkeeper Antonio Doblas two minutes before half-time, adding to the spectacular long-range effort he scored against Cádiz CF in the Primera División on Saturday. Betis, the lowest scorers in the Spanish top flight, failed to beat Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, despite coach Llorenzo Serra Ferrer fielding an unusually attacking lineup.

Espanyol through
RCD Espanyol joined Madrid in the semi-finals after Jofre scored both goals in a 2-0 home win against Cádiz, securing a 4-0 aggregate result. Valencia CF's second leg against RC Deportivo La Coruña at the Mestalla was abandoned due to crowd trouble two minutes before half-time with the home side leading 1-0. Deportivo won the first leg by the same scoreline. Real Zaragoza play FC Barcelona tomorrow evening in their postponed quarter-final first leg.