Benzema gives Real slender lead in Copa quarters

Real Madrid will take a slender lead into the second leg of their Copa Del Rey quarter-final after a 1-0 win at Espanyol.Karim Benzema’s first half header was enough for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, although Los Blancos had to dig deep at times with Espanyol somewhat unfortunate not to find the net.Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale started together, with Benzema leading the lead as Ancelotti fielded a full-strength side in an effort to take a commanding lead into the return leg.Real Madrid came close to breaking the deadlock after 21 minutes when Ronaldo rattled a low drive off the inside of the post after being afforded plenty of time and space in the box.But minutes later Benzema gave the visitors the lead, reacting quickest to Bale’s flick-on at the near post to guide his header into the net despite the best efforts of Kiko Casilla.Bale tested Casilla from a free-kick, sending a dipping, swerving effort towards goal from 25 yards but the Espanyol keeper was equal to it, tipping over the bar.Espanyol emerged for the second half rejuvenated and passed up several good opportunities, particularly from Sergio Garcia and Alex Fernandez to restore parity, giving Real the clean sheet, the away goal and the win.(uk.eurosport.yahoo.com)ANN.Az