Benzema nets Real Madrid Copa winner
Real Madrid earned a 1-0 Copa del Rey lead in the first-leg of their tie at Espanyol.
Karim Benzema scored the only goal in the 15th minute, heading home at the far post after Alvaro Arbeloa's cross was flicked on.
"The team played well, with quality, pace and intensity. It was a good match, it is normal that we suffered a bit at the end after having not scored the second," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.
"It is the cup quarter-finals and we have to put out our best team; the tie is still to be decided."