Madrid and Milan cruise to cup victories

Real Madrid CF claimed the derby spoils for the second time in as many weeks to reach the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey while AC Milan comfortably progressed to the last eight of the Coppa Italia.

José Mourinho's men, aiming for a first cup triumph since 1993, held a 3-1 lead against Club Atlético de Madrid heading to the Vicente Calderón and they extended their overall advantage midway through the first half when Sergio Ramos found space on the right flank and whipped in a low cross that Cristiano Ronaldo rifled into the roof of the net.

Atlético offered little in response without the services of the injured Sergio Agüero, allowing Madrid to secure a semi-final meeting with Sevilla FC, the return leg taking place at the Santiago Bernabéu. FC Barcelona versus UD Almería is the other tie, both taking place over two legs in the coming fortnight.

Milan suffered few scares either as they overcame AS Bari 3-0 at the Stadio Guiseppe Meazza to complete the Coppa Italia quarter-final lineup. On 19 minutes, Robinho led a counterattack before releasing Zlatan Ibrahimović to finish with a sublime curling effort. Robinho set up the second too, pulling a cross back from the byline for 18-year-old Alexander Merkel to fire in his first for the club on the stroke of half-time.

The provider turned goalscorer to wrap up the victory on 65 minutes, ensuring Milan visit UC Sampdoria in the last eight on Wednesday. In the other quarter-final ties next week, SSC Napoli play FC Internazionale Milano, Juventus face AS Roma and US Città di Palermo take on Parma FC.