Real Madrid put themselves on course for a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals after securing a 2-0 first-leg victory over Valencia at the Bernabéu.
Karim Benzema scored just before the interval and an own-goal from Andrés Guardado in the 74th minute gave José Mourinho's side a two-goal advantage ahead of next week's return. The winners will meet the holders, Barcelona, or Málaga, who meet at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
On the other side of the draw, Real Zaragoza host Sevilla on Wednesday, and Atlético Madrid welcome Real Betis on Thursday.
"It is a good result," the Real captain, Iker Casillas, said, "but the way forward in the Cup is very tough. The victory gives us a lift and helps us get over our frustrations in La Liga."
After a poor run of form which has led to Real slipping 18 points behind the league leaders, Barcelona, Mourinho's name was met once again with a mixture of whistles and applause before the start of the 600th top-flight match of his career.
The Brazil full-back Marcelo was back in the side after almost three months out with a foot injury but the first-choice centre-backs, Sergio Ramos and Pepe, were missing through suspension and injury respectively.
Michael Essien burst away on a counterattack and he fed Sami Khedira, who immediately laid off for Benzema and the hosts were 1-0 up in the 37th minute.
Valencia carved the perfect opportunity to equalise midway through the second half, after good work by Ever Banega. But when Casillas parried Roberto Soldado's shot, Jonas fired wide of the gaping goal.
As with the first goal, Real immediately struck back. The substitute Fábio Coentrão's low cross was turned into the net by a combination of Guardado and Gonzalo Higuaín as the two slid in at the near post, the Argentinian getting the final touch with a hand.
Valencia's new coach, Ernesto Valverde, was sent off after the goal, though he was sanguine when asked if he was unhappy with the referee.
"It's a lot easier when you see it on the television," Valverde said. "We have to try and put ourselves in their place. Perhaps when I see it on the television it will hurt more. We had chances to score and this is more painful."
The Valencia goalkeeper, Vicente Guaita, denied Cristiano Ronaldo with two magnificent saves towards the end.
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