MADRID (AP) ― Raphael Varane scored in the 81st minute, giving Real Madrid a 1-1 tie against Barcelona on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal.
With Barcelona enjoying the majority of the possession, Cesc Fabregas put the defending champion ahead in the 50th minute off a pass from Lionel Messi, who intercepted a clearance.
Messi’s streak of scoring in 16 straight starts ended.
Varane’s goal was his first since Dec. 20, 2011.
“It’s like a dream come true, incredible to score a goal like that against Barcelona at just 19,” Varane said.
With goalkeeper Iker Casillas sidelined by a broken hand, Diego Lopez was in goal for Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo served as captain.
England
Wayne Rooney scored twice to lead Manchester United over Southampton 2-1 and open a seven-point lead over second-place Manchester City in the Premier League.
After Jay Rodriguez put the visitors ahead, Rooney scored in the eighth and 27th minutes to give him nine goals in his last nine games.
United has won nine Premier Leagues matches in which it has trailed this season.United (19-3-2) has 59 points, while City (15-2-7) has 52.
Third-place Chelsea (13-4-7) dropped 13 points off the lead when it wasted a late two-goal lead at Reading in a 2-2 tie.
