Antonio Cassano netted the winning goal as Real Madrid beat Real Betis 1-0.
Antonio Cassano enjoyed the perfect debut on his Real Madrid bow as he netted the winner against Real Betis in a 1-0 win.
In what was a tense Copa del Rey quarter final first leg, one good finish was always likely to settle the game and it duly arrived from Italian Cassano in the 65th minute.
The diminutive front man silenced Seville just past the hour mark, having only been on the field four minutes, and it is now Madrid who look set to land a semi-final place as they take a crucial advantage to the capital for the second leg.
Also enjoying a fine start to a new career was Espanyol striker Walter Pandiani, who scored in his new side's 2-0 win at Cadiz.
The South American former Birmingham striker registered in the 51st minute before Fredson netted a crucial second just a minute from time.
In a last 16 clash, Real Zaragoza and Atletico Madrid played out a 2-2 stalemate, meaning the former wins a semi-final place 3-2 on aggregate.
