Atlético claim first Madrid derby victory in 14 years to win Copa del Rey
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Atlético Madrid ended a 14-year winless run against city rivals Real Madrid to capture the Copa del Rey title on Friday night.
Having not lost to their city rivals since 1999, it was perhaps no surprise to see Los Blancos dominate the ball from the start and open the scoring in the 14th minute.
A Mesut Özil corner found Cristiano Ronaldo inside the area, and the Portuguese rose majestically to head home past Atlético goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
It looked as if José Mourinho's side would be going into the break 1-0 up, but with 10 minutes remaining Radamel Falcao set up Diego Costa to level for Atlético.
Mourinho was hardly seen for the first 75 minutes and suddenly he came off his bench and within seconds got himself sent off for protesting.
Atlético struck the winner when Brazilian defender Miranda headed in a Koke cross in the eighth minute of extra time.
Madrid ended the match with 10 men when Ronaldo received a straight red card for kicking Atlético captain Gabi, who was sent off himself just before the final whistle.
"This is for our fans that have suffered for 14 years," Gabi said moments before he received the trophy from Spain's King Juan Carlos.
"I think this team worked hard for this and deserved it."
The result leaves Mourinho trophyless for the first time in his managerial career, and could be the final nail into his Madrid coffin.
Speaking at his post-match conference, the 50-year-old coach said: "This is my worst season. I have never not won an important title. You can say I failed this season."
"With one final, a semifinal, a second-place finish, and a Spanish Supercup, for many other coaches it would have been a good season. For me it's the worst."
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| Atlético Madrid players celebrate after winning the Copa del Rey Final against Real Madrid Photo: Getty Images |
Having not lost to their city rivals since 1999, it was perhaps no surprise to see Los Blancos dominate the ball from the start and open the scoring in the 14th minute.
A Mesut Özil corner found Cristiano Ronaldo inside the area, and the Portuguese rose majestically to head home past Atlético goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
It looked as if José Mourinho's side would be going into the break 1-0 up, but with 10 minutes remaining Radamel Falcao set up Diego Costa to level for Atlético.
Mourinho was hardly seen for the first 75 minutes and suddenly he came off his bench and within seconds got himself sent off for protesting.
Atlético struck the winner when Brazilian defender Miranda headed in a Koke cross in the eighth minute of extra time.
Madrid ended the match with 10 men when Ronaldo received a straight red card for kicking Atlético captain Gabi, who was sent off himself just before the final whistle.
"This is for our fans that have suffered for 14 years," Gabi said moments before he received the trophy from Spain's King Juan Carlos.
"I think this team worked hard for this and deserved it."
The result leaves Mourinho trophyless for the first time in his managerial career, and could be the final nail into his Madrid coffin.
Speaking at his post-match conference, the 50-year-old coach said: "This is my worst season. I have never not won an important title. You can say I failed this season."
"With one final, a semifinal, a second-place finish, and a Spanish Supercup, for many other coaches it would have been a good season. For me it's the worst."
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