By DPA
Madrid : Getafe are well placed to reach another final of the Spanish King’s Cup, after they defeated Racing Santander 3-1 in the first-leg of the semi-final here.
The unfashionable club from Madrid’s southern suburbs, coached by former Barcelona and Real Madrid starter Michael Laudrup, Thursday night won with goals from Ruben de la Red, Francisco Casquero and Manu del Moral.
Getafe went ahead in the 24th minute thanks to two youngsters on loan from Real Madrid, de la Red heading in a corner from Esteban Granero.
Polish striker Ebi Smolarek equalised for Santander just four minutes later, by heading in a centre from veteran Jorge Lopez.
Getafe restored their lead in the 58th minute when Casquero scored with a cool finish after being put through by Pablo Hernandez.
Getafe continued to come forward, and Manu del Moral made it 3-1 in the 84th minute by turning in the rebound after Santander keeper Tono had parried his header.
Santander now have a mountain to climb in the second leg, scheduled for March 19. They will have to score at least two goals without allowing Getafe a crucial away goal.
Getafe, then coached by Bernd Schuster, reached the cup final last season, only to lose 1-0 to Sevilla.
Laudrup has proven to be a worthy successor to Schuster, taking Getafe to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup – where they face Portuguese side Benfica – and to the King’s Cup semis.
The other cup semi-final first leg, played Wednesday, was an eventful 1-1 draw between Barcelona and Valencia.