Madrid on fringe of final

Two-goal cushion
Goals from Santiago Solari and Raúl González at the Santiago Bernabéu gave Carlos Queiroz's side an important advantage ahead of the return match in Seville next week.

Early chances
Missing striker Ronaldo through illness, Madrid failed to convert a number of first-half chances. Zinedine Zidane's clever approach work created the first opening for Raúl, but he shot high and wide from eight metres.

Sevilla strike back
Sevilla, who defeated Madrid 4-1 in the Primera División earlier this season, were quick to respond. José Luis Martí sent a rising drive over the bar and, in the next attack, Dario Silva forced a save from Madrid goalkeeper César Sánchez.

Missed headers
Madrid were nearly caught out again when Julio Baptista burst into the area, but the Brazilian striker lost his footing under pressure from Raúl Bravo. At the other end, the hosts had further chances to take the lead but Javier Portillo and Iván Helguera put close-range headers wide.

Turning point
The game turned with Solari's spectacular finish. The Argentinian put the home side in front ten minutes into the second half with a well-struck shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Madrid take command
Roberto Carlos, Guti and Zidane all missed chances to double the advantage before Solari set up the second 15 minutes from time. The midfield player won the ball on the left and worked it across for Raúl to sweep low into the right-hand corner with a first-time finish.

Alavés at home
The second semi-final is played on Thursday night, with second division Deportivo Alavés at home to Real Zaragoza.