Football: Madrid, Barca all-square in cup clash

French youngster Raphael Varane headed in a late goal as Real Madrid salvaged a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in their Spanish Cup semi-final first-leg clash.


Cesc Fabregas had given Barca the lead at the Santiago Bernabeu in a game his side looked to be running away with until the leveller. Varane was Madrid’s star all evening, clearing off the line in the first-half and making countless other defensive interventions in an entertaining encounter. With the second-leg almost a month away, Madrid will be relieved to avoid defeat. “Varane had a great game, after saving us a few times he gets the equaliser, he is only 19 and this will be good for his progress with us,” said Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka.