Copa del Rey Report: Beckham Off As Real Madrid Put Three Past Valencia

David Beckham was sent-off as Real Madrid moved closer to a semi-final spot with a 3-0 thrashing of Valencia at the Mestalla.

Raul gave Real the lead on the half-hour mark when he headed in a left-wing cross from the lively Santi Solari.

The first-half was undoubtedly a better spectacle than the second, but the Merengues went in 1-0 up at the break.

Mista had missed a number of fine chances by the time Ronaldo doubled Real's lead in the 80th minute. The Brazilian latched on to the ball after Figo had fallen on the edge of the box, rounded Andres Pallop and blasted into the top corner.

Carlos Marchena was then guilty of bringing down Raul in the penalty area and Figo confidently converted the spot-kick.

David Beckham, who had been booked a few minutes earlier, was then sent-off for bringing down Pablo Aimar in the centre of the pitch.

David Albelda quickly followed him for a foul on Figo who he believed simulated the challenge. It was also his second bookable offence.