Thursday, 21st April, 2011
Real Madrid finally ended their hoodoo against Barcelona last night by beating the Catalans in the Copa del Rey final. In a closely fought match, just as Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho predicted, the game ticked along, with both sides enjoying chances, but always destined for extra time.
And in the final half-hour period, Real Madrid witnessed a moment of magic from Cristiano Ronaldo. Good work from Marcelo on the left hand side resulted in the ball ending up at Angel di Maria’s feet. The Argentine swung in a dangerous looking cross which seemed behind Ronaldo. The Portuguese however arched his head back and powered a header past Jose Manuel Pinto. 1-0 was the way it stayed and Real Madrid had won the cup.
"It was an evenly fought match", said Mourinho afterwards. "We were better in the first half and they were better in the second. [Iker] Casillas responded very well. We made very few mistakes in what was a very serious match.
"The players were focused and knew what to do. We played our tight lines in extra time and I think Barcelona were a little tired psychologically. Whoever scores first in extra time tends to win. It was a great football match."
And the Portuguese admitted he enjoyed his first trophy with Real Madrid, hoping it will be the first of many to come.
"It is always good to win titles. Someone called me a ‘Title Coach’ a few days ago. I like that name. That is my job. I am proud of my team, the fans and my people. This is my fourth cup win and I’m very proud."
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