Ponferradina 0-2 Real Madrid: Callejon and Ronaldo see off stern challenge from hosts despite Raul Albiol's second-half red card

A goal each from Jose Callejon and Cristiano Ronaldo either side of half time proved enough for Real Madrid to comfortably see off Spanish Segunda B side Ponferradina on Tuesday evening, sealing a 2-0 victory in the first leg of the Copa del Rey tie.

The game was a cagey affair for the first 20 minutes, with Madrid dominating possession but not capitalising by failing to create any concrete goalscoring chances.

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However, the fixture came to life in the 21st minute when Ronaldo burst through the home defence before attempting to slip the ball under the onrushing Orlando Quintana, but the goalkeeper remained big to make a solid save.

The visitors passed up a terrific chance just two minutes later when Callejon found himself through on goal with only Quintana to beat. However the Madrid man opted to square a pass across goal to Ronaldo, finding the Portuguese on his heels, and he could not manage to get on the end of the overhit pass.

Madrid remained in the ascendancy as the game approached the half hour mark, and their possession eventually paid off. Sami Khedira found some space on the right wing and whipped a teasing cross into the penalty area, where Callejon took advantage by poking the ball home from just outside the six yard box.

The locals started the second period with a spring in their step, and gave Jose Mourinho's stars a scare seven minutes after the break. Luis Domenech collected a pass from Carlos Ruiz on the right wing, and whipped a deep cross into the box post that crashed against the crossbar of Antonio Adan, who was scrambling back to his goal.

Further hope was given to the home side when Madrid defender Raul Albiol was sent off for a second bookable offence after a poorly timed sliding challenge on Borja Valle.

However, Ponferradina's improved second half play was soon stifled by further Real Madrid control of possession, and the visitors doubled their lead in the 73rd minute.

Gonzalo Higuain fended off challenges in midfield to drive forward through the centre and slip a pass out to Ronaldo on the left. The Portuguese then showed electric pace to drive into the box and blast a shot at goal that squeezed under the body of Quintana at the near post.

It was a profressional response from Mourinho's team to the disappointment of their Clasico defeat on Saturday, and return to Liga duty at the weekend traveling to Andalucia to face Sevilla as they attempt to go three points clear of rivals Barcelona.