Sevilla beats Getafe 2-0 in first leg

Sevilla beats Getafe 2-0 in first leg

Published Feb. 4, 2010 12:08 a.m. ET

Sevilla beat Getafe 2-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals with a strike from Luis Fabiano and an own goal by Pedro "Mario" Alvarez on Wednesday.

Fabiano's looping header beat goalkeeper Oscar Ustari after Adriano crossed from the right in the 45th minute. The striker celebrated by putting a trilby hat on his head in tribute to club president Jose Maria del Nido.

In the 80th, Jesus Navas sprinted outside Jose Manuel Jimenez and delivered a low cross which bounced in off defender Alvarez.

Atletico Madrid hosts Racing Santander in the second semifinal on Thursday. The return legs will be played next week.

Getafe, finalist in 2007 and 2008, had most of the chances in the first half in wet conditions at Sevilla's Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, with Pedro Leon on the right of midfield repeatedly unnerving the host's defense.

Manuel del Moral drew two saves in succession from Andres Palop early on and looked certain to score in the 27th as he slid in to meet Daniel Parejo's cross until Adriano made a last-ditch interception.

Palop denied Getafe again when he stretched to get a hand to Franciso Casquero's shot from outside the area.

The 2007 champions created chances on the break, however, with Jesus Navas and Diego Perotti a threat on the wings. In the 41st Ustari made a spectacular save from Fabiano's point-blank volley after Navas put the Fabiano through.

Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez withdrew striker Alvaro Negredo after 36 minutes, replacing him with Koffi Romaric to bolster the midfield. Frederic Kanoute went on for the injured Fabiano in the 68th.

Fabiano's goal settled Sevilla's nerves and the host took control in the last half hour.

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