Racing Santander failed to gain revenge for their Copa del Rey humbling against Atletico Madrid after a 1-1 draw at El Sardinero.

The hosts were thrashed 4-0 at the Vicente Calderon in the first leg of their semi-final tie in midweek, rendering the return in Santander as surely nothing more than a formality for the capital club.

And while Racing were the better side for much of the contest, Miguel Angel Portugal's men were unable to build on Gonzalo Colsa's 37th-minute equaliser after Diego Forlan had put Atletico ahead after 24 minutes.

Forlan played in a lone striker role with Atletico coach Quique Sanchez Flores surprisingly opting for a 4-5-1 formation with Argentina international Sergio Aguero on the bench.

The plan to stifle Racing didn't seem to work early on as the home side started brightly with Sergio Canales at the heart of their better moments.

The youngster, who has reportedly agreed a move to Real Madrid for next season, saw a shot deflected wide in the the seventh minute and then curled a free-kick inches over the top shortly after.

In between, Colsa saw an acrobatic volley well saved by David De Gea in the visitors' goal.

Having spent much of the opening 24 minutes on the back foot, Atletico surged forward and claimed a surprise lead.

Simao Sabrosa hooked the ball forward and it fell nicely for Forlan to run on to.

The Uruguay international poked the ball past onrushing Racing keeper Fabio Coltorti with his initial effort striking the post and trickling across the line. Forlan reacted quickest to the loose ball to make sure from close range.

Racing were level within 13 minutes and shortly after Canales appeared to have a legitimate claim for a penalty turned down after he was caught by Tiago in the area.

Pablo Pinillos sent in a cross from the right which ought to have been cleared by Luis Perea, but the defender allowed Colsa to distract him and as the ball fell loose in the box the former Atletico midfielder reacted quickest to fire high into the top left-hand corner.

Racing maintained the momentum at the start of the second half with Pedro Munitis lashing in a volley which went into the sidenetting.

Aguero finally entered the fray 10 minutes into the second half although he had little immediate impact.

Indeed, Atletico could count themselves extremely fortunate not to have fallen further behind just two minutes later.

Mohamed Tchite found himself in the clear after latching on to a long punt forward. He got to the ball before De Gea and prodded the ball goalwards despite being tripped by the Rojiblancos keeper.

Perea redeemed himself for his earlier error by getting back to clear the ball off the line via the post with Canales shooting wide in the ensuing melee.

The home fans demanded the referee go back and send off De Gea for the trip but Mr Gonzalez surprisingly took no action other than to book Tchite for his protestations.

Aguero did threaten after 70 minutes but, having caused panic in the Racing defence, could only prod a weak shot off target.

He almost had the final say, however, when he narrowly failed to get on the end of Simao's teasing left-wing cross with just two minutes to go.