Barcelona's Pique scores for milan!

Barcelona defeated Malaga 4-2 on Thursday night to set-up a mouthwatering Spanish Cup semi-final clash against bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Thumb's up! Barcelona's Gerard Pique celebrates his goal in the Spanish Cup quarter-final second leg against Malaga with a symbolic tribute to his newborn son. Barcelona won 4-2 and progressed to the semi-finals 6-4 on aggregate. PIC/AFP

Gerard Pique scored his first goal since becoming a father for the first time this week when pop star girlfriend Shakira gave birth to their son - Milan. The defender volleyed home to give Barcelona a 2-1 lead in the 49th minute after teammate Pedro Rodriguez's (9th minute) header was cancelled out by Joaquin Sanchez's right-foot drive three minutes later.

Pique celebrated his goal running around with his right thumb in his mouth, in a symbolic tribute to his son. Pique recently posted a picture of little Milan's feet on Twitter. In the picture, the child's shoes have his name embroidered on them in red and blue - Barcelona colours. Amador Bernabeu, Pique's grandfather, registered Milan as Barcelona member number 171,761. Barcelona's vice president Jordi Cardoner visited Shakira in hospital and presented a tiny Barcelona jersey for Milan.

The picture of little Milan's feet posted by his father and Barca defender Gerard Pique on Twitter. The child's shoes have his name embroidered on them in Barcelona's colours of red and blue.

Coming back to the match, Roque Santa Cruz equalised for Malaga in the 68th minute. Eight minutes later Andres Iniesta made it 3-2 after a smart one-two with Cesc Fabregas before Lionel Messi grabbed Barcelona's fourth, heading in an 80th-minute cross from Iniesta for 4-2. Barcelona, who suffered their first La Liga defeat of the campaign last weekend, had drawn 2-2 against Malaga in the first leg.

In the night's other tie, Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 at Real Betis for au00a03-1 aggregate and a semi-final clash against Sevilla, who clinched their semi-final entry with a 4-0 win over Real Zaragoza following a goalless first leg. Real Madrid advanced to the semis on Wednesday after a 1-1 draw at Valencia saw them progress 3-1 on aggregate.

Shakira. PICs/AFP