Falcao fires Atletico

Atletico Madrid star Radamel Falcao (L) scores the opening goal during their Copa del Rey quarterfinal first leg against Real Betis
at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid on Thursday.Photo: AFP

Atletico Madrid took a big step towards the King's Cup semifinals when Radamel Falcao set them on the way to a 2-0 win at home to Real Betis in their last-eight first-leg on Thursday.
Colombia striker Falcao, coveted by several of Europe's richest clubs, nodded the opener in the 11th minute at the Calderon and Brazilian fullback Filipe Luis added a second 12 minutes later.
Betis had their chances and dominated possession for long periods in the second half but Atletico's Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, on loan from Chelsea, was in inspired form.
"We knew that Betis were going to pressure us in the second half," Atletico captain Gabi said in a pitch side interview with television broadcaster Telecinco.
"But we played a great first half and we were able to hold on to the advantage and get a very good result," the midfielder added.
"I think it's still 50-50, we have to go to their stadium and they are playing very well but we will work hard to get through."
If Atletico can protect their lead in next week's second leg in Seville they would meet Sevilla, who beat them in the 2010 final, or Real Zaragoza in the last four.
New Sevilla coach Unai Emery, appointed this week to replace the sacked Michel, had a disappointing debut when the Andalusian club were held to a 0-0 draw at Zaragoza on Wednesday.