Sevilla beats Villarreal to reach cup semifinals

SEVILLE, Spain (AP): Sevilla reached the Copa del Rey semifinals for the fourth time in five seasons after beating Villarreal 3-0 on Tuesday and 6-3 on aggregate.

Villarreal needed victory at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium but saw its hopes deflated from the 10th minute following Renato's opener.

Villarreal created opportunities but the holders put the outcome beyond doubt with goals from Frederic Kanoute and Alexis Ruano within five minutes of the restart.

Sevilla plays either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid next, with Madrid leading 3-1 after the first leg going into Thursday's match at the Vicente Calderon stadium.

Sevilla defender Sergio Sanchez returned to action for the first time since undergoing heart surgery to correct a condition that sidelined the 24-year-old defender a year ago.

Ronaldo's 3 goals gives Madrid win over Villarreal

MADRID (AP) - Cristiano Ronaldo hit a hat trick and Kaka scored his first goal since April as Real Madrid twice came from behind to win 4-2 against Villarreal on Sunday, keeping the team within two points of Spanish league leader Barcelona.

The Portugal forward made it 1-1 by side-footing home Mesut Oezil's pass in the ninth minute, two minutes after Villarreal midfielder Cani had flicked the ball over goalkeeper Iker Casillas to open the scoring.

Villarreal's slick passing game troubled Madrid, and Bruno Soriano's exquisite 18th-minute pass put Ruben Castro through alone on goal to lob Casillas for a 2-1 lead.

However, Ronaldo headed in Xabi Alonso's swerving free kick inside the crowded Villarreal area just before the break to equalize.

Ronaldo scrambled to recover a loose ball in the 79th right after blowing an excellent chance in front of goal. He then swiveled before tucking a low shot past goalkeeper Diego Lopez inside the near post for a league-leading 22nd goal.