MADRID (AFP) - Getafe, Spanish Cup runners-up in 2007, took a step closer to a return to the final when they defeated Racing Santander 3-1 in their semi-final first leg on Thursday.

Having qualified for the UEFA Cup last week and then defeated league leaders Real Madrid at the weekend, Getafe continued their good form under coach Michael Laudrup, the former Danish international.

Ruben de la Red gave Getafe a 24th-minute lead before Poland international Euzebiusz Smolarek levelled for Santander three minutes later.

Javier Casquero restored the lead in the 57th minute before Manu del Moral added a third, seven minutes from full-time.

On Wednesday, a goal into injury-time by Xavi gave Barcelona a 1-1 draw at home to Valencia in their first leg clash.

Valencia had taken the lead through Spanish international striker David Villa 20 minutes from time.