Taking control

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

VALENCIA, Spain -- Valencia took a commanding lead in its Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Levante with a 4-1 home win over its crosstown rival in the first leg on Thursday.

Jonas and striker partner Roberto Soldado put Valencia ahead at Mestalla stadium with a pair of early goals. Striker Arouna Kone pulled one back for Levante before Pablo Piatti re-established the hosts' cushion for good just before halftime.

The second half saw more bookings than scoring chances as tempers rose in the derby until Tino Costa scored in added time with a shot that took a deflection off a defender before falling behind goalkeeper Gustavo Munua.

The winner of the series will face either Barcelona or Real Madrid in the semifinals. Barcelona won 2-1 at Madrid in their first leg.