Getafe moved a step closer to their second consecutive King's Cup final by beating Racing Santander 3-1 in their semi-final first leg.

Goals from Ruben de la Red, Francisco Casquero and Manu del Moral sank Racing, making their first appearance in the last four.

Getafe, who lost 1-0 to Sevilla in their first final appearance last June, travel to Santander for the return leg on March 19th.

Wednesday's semi-final finished 1-1 after Barcelona scrambled a last-minute equaliser against Valencia at the Nou Camp.

Two former Real Madrid youth team players combined to put Getafe in front in the 25th minute when De la Red headed in a corner by Esteban Granero.

Three minutes later slack marking at a free kick gave Poland striker Ebi Smolarek the chance to volley Racing's equaliser from close range.

Michael Laudrup's side came out strongly after the restart and a patient passing move on the edge of the area led to Getafe's second in the 58th.

Pablo Hernandez picked out Casquero's late run into the area and the midfielder slotted the ball home.

Getafe, showing little sign of fatigue despite qualifying for the UEFA Cup's last 16 and winning at Real Madrid in the last week, notched a third goal seven minutes from time.

Midfielder Hernandez crossed for Del Moral to head goalwards and after the striker's first effort was blocked he reacted quickest to lash home the rebound.

Reuters