Ronaldo lifts Real to Cup win

MADRID, Dec 13 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo scored as holders Real Madrid beat third tier Ponferradina 2-0 away in a King’s Cup last-32, first-leg match on Tuesday, slightly easing the pain of their ‘Clasico’ defeat by Barcelona.

Jose Callejon gave a weakened Real the lead after 30 minutes, but they struggled to find a second against determined hosts and had defender Raul Albiol sent off for a second booking in the 70th.

The world’s most expensive player, Ronaldo, criticised for his poor showing in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Barca, sprinted away to add a second in the 74th and was substituted soon after.

Valencia, the 2008 champions, were held to a 0-0 draw at another Segunda B (third tier) side, Cadiz. There were 11 other first legs still being played on Tuesday.

The second legs are scheduled for next week.