Half-Time Report: Pepe fires Real Madrid into slender lead

Real Madrid have recorded a 1-0 half-time lead over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at the Bernabeu.

The hosts drew first blood on 17 minutes, with Pepe watching his effort from the edge of the box fizz into the back of the net via a deflection from defender Emiliano Insua.

Diego Simeone's men responded well and could have found a riposte six minutes later as Joao Miranda found himself on the end of Gabi's free kick, but goalkeeper Iker Casillas kept out the effort.

Luka Modric was later denied his bid to double the advantage by Atleti shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois, but Pepe's strike was sufficient in earning Carlo Ancelotti's troops a slender lead at the interval.