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Not even the biggest Real Madrid hater could have written the script better for last night’s Copa Del Rey final at the Santiago Bernabeu. Atletico Madrid won the prestigious trophy for the 10th time in their history with a 2-1 win in extra time over their eternal rivals but there can be no doubt that this one is the sweetest in recent times. Not only did they beat Real Madrid for the first time in the backyard of the Galacticos since 1999, they did it after being a goal down in the opening 12 minutes.
Real were looking to cap off a forgettable season on a high with their 19th Copa Del Rey title to give their out-going manager Jose Mourinho a befitting send off and when Cristiano Ronaldo rose to meet Luka Modric’s corner with a majestic header in the 12th minute to slot home his 55th of the season, it looked like a routine win in the ‘Derbi el Madrileno’ for the men in white. Atletico, however, were not going to take it lying down and they drew level when Radamel Falcao turned on the after burners and bamboozled Raul Albiol and Xabi Alonso with deft touches before putting a pass through for Diego Costa between Sergio Ramos and Michael Essien for the Brazilian to slot home for the equalizer in the 34th minute.
Real were back on the attack instantly and were unlucky to not have gone into half time with a lead when Mesut Ozil let out a screamer from the edge of the box only to be denied by the frame of the goal.
Real had lost two finals prior to this in 2002 and 2004. On both these instances Iker Casillas had not featured between the sticks for the Los Blancos. As Diego Lopez took the mantle of being Real’s custodian, little did he know that history was about to repeat itself.
Diego Simeone and his Los Rojiblancos continued to ride their luck in the second half when a dazzling run from Ronaldo on the stroke of the hour left Atletico’s defence flat-footed before threading a pass to Benzema . The Frenchman’s shot beat the keeper but the post once again came in the way. The rebound fell to Ozil, who showed immense composure to switch feet but his shot was parried off the line by Atletico’s Juanfran. Ronaldo followed in again but only got a corner for his troubles. 8 minutes later Ronado found the left hand post again with a low free kick and the rebound fell to the feet of Essien who could only manage a weak effort into the stands.
Drama ensued when Real’s ‘Special One’ was sent to the stands 12 minutes from time for arguing with the referee over decisions that didn’t go his team’s way. That being the last significant action in regulation time, the teams went into another 30 minutes to settle the tie.
Atletico came out in extra time with much more purpose about their game than in the second half and Diego Costa almost added a second in the 96th minute when Koke set him free from the centre. His shot, however, flew straight at Lopez. A couple of minutes later, euphoria filled the red clad side of the Bernabeu when Joa Miranda glanced a header in off a corner from the aforementioned Koke to beat Xabi Alonso and Diego in the Madrid goal.
Madrid were back on the attack instantly with substitutes Di Maria and Higuain. While the latter had a volley saved by Atletico keeper Courtois, Ronaldo played an intricate pass to Di Maria who produced a delightful cut back Ozil. A goal looked certain but Courtois came to the Los Colchoneros’ rescue yet again with a brilliant save.
Six minutes from the final whistle it was heartbreak for Real Madrid when their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for lashing out at Gabi who had certainly caught him late. While it looked like Gabi was making the most of it, it was stupid thing to do on the part of the world’s most expensive player. A touchline brawl followed between both camps and Atletico manager was even seen having a go at Madrid defender Pepe. “The incident will be investigated” is what La Liga officials had to say.
Atletico held on even though Gabi was dismissed in the dying moments of the match for not allowing Real to take a quick free kick, to win against Real Madrid for the first time after having lost the last ten successive derbies.
In my opinion Real were the better team on the night but games aren’t won on that basis.
