Real Madrid edged past Girona with a 4-2 win at the Santiago Bernaeu in their Copa Del Rey quarter final first leg.
The hosts needed late goals from Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema to secure a two goal advantage ahead of next week's second leg in Catalonia.
Santiago Solari's side fell behind after just seven minutes, as Girona threatened to spoil their party, after Anthony Lozano put them in front from close range.
However Real were quick to respond, and Lucas Vazquez netted his fourth goal of the season, after a fine run and through ball from Alvaro Odriozola.
From there on, the home side dominated, and Ramos gave them the lead three minutes before half time. The Real Madrid skipper netted his eighth goal of the season, and his seventh from the spot – with a panneka finish past Gorka Iraizoz.
With Real unable to extend their lead at the start of the second half, Girona found themselves an unexpected lifeline as Alex Granell scored from the spot, following a handball from substitute Marcus Llorente.
But it was Ramos to the rescue again for Solari's side, as he took up an attacking role in an attempt to get a goal back, and that duly arrived on 78 minutes as he nodded home Marcelo's cross
French international Karim Benzema wrapped up the win three minutes later, peeling away at the far post to convert Vinicius' floated ball.
Girona will be disappointed about not being able to hold Real off in the second half, and they face an uphill battle in the second leg to reach their first ever Copa del Rey semi final.
