Real Madrid did just enough to earn a hard-fought 2-0 win over Valencia in the first leg of their Copa Del Rey quarterfinals.
Karim Benzema opened the scoring in the 37th minute, latching onto a pass from Sami Khedira following a quick counter attack to slot into the back of the net.
Jose Andres Guardado then was the unfortunate man for Valencia, guiding the ball into his own net off a cross from the returning Marcelo in the 73rd minute.
"The important thing was not conceding goals and the result is a good one," goalkeeper Iker Casillas said. "Valencia are a great team, we have stood up for ourselves at the Bernabeu and we expect a very tough second leg.
"We'll have to grit our teeth. It was a match with lots of chances for both teams and we secured the win. One of our weapons is the lethal counter we showed today. We are excited and happy to be playing to win the tie.
"We have a tough draw in the cup, we have to beat Valencia and then we have a possible tie against Barcelona or Malaga, who are playing very well. The league is very difficult but for ourselves, for the fans who are behind the badge and for this shirt we must fight to the end.
"Now we have the Champions League and the cup, which are vital. We have to keep going as we are and knowing how to differentiate each competition."
Real will now take the vital two-goal lead into the second leg to be played at the Mestalla next week.
Valencia forward Roberto Soldado said Real Madrid's complaints about officiating in their previous matches had played a big part in this game, with the striker in particular given offside several times, when replays suggested otherwise.
"It's difficult to come to the Bernabeu and see all those mistakes made by referees and linesmen," Soldado told reporters.
"In Valencia we have been silent (while Madrid complained). They complain a lot about the referees and there is the result.
"Referees can be wrong once, but should not be so much. And it makes you wonder. They don't want to withstand the pressure of being wrong against Real Madrid.
"If it has served them to talk all this week then I think there are institutes that should control their statements. Statements that come from Real Madrid nowadays do not benefit the sport."
