SEVILLE: Rodrygo goes sent Real Madrid back to Copa del Rey glory with a clinical brace in a 2-1 win over Osasuna in Seville Saturday, with his Brazilian compatriot Vinicius Junior play a role in both purposes.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid won their 20th Spanish Cup at La Cartuja in their 40th final, ending a nine-year wait to lift the trophy again.
Osasuna, who have never won a major trophy, fought well but ultimately fell short against the reigning Spanish and European champions, who face Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.
Madrid have now won all six trophies at their disposal in Ancelotti’s second reign at the club, following the Italian’s return in 2021.
Rodrygo fired Madrid forward two minutes after Vinicius ran down the left, and Ancelotti’s side had the best first-half chances.
However, Lucas Torro equalized for Osasuna in the 58th minute to give them hope of a surprise in their first cup final since 2005, and the second in their history.
Rodrygo prevailed, firing home after a rebound fell to him after another charge from Vinicius, ensuring Madrid would bring the trophy back to the capital.
“They made the difference, Vini knocked them off balance and Rodrygo scored both goals,” Ancelotti said of his Brazilian wingers.
Madrid beat both Atletico Madrid and then rivals Barcelona to reach the final and Ancelotti said it was time to celebrate, but not too much before the clash with City.
“This Copa came at an important time, we went through some very delicate encounters, it’s a deserved prize against strong opponents,” added the coach.
“Tonight we will celebrate, a little, not too much, and then we will get back to work for Tuesday.”
Osasuna coach Jagoba Arrasate has deployed midfielder Jon Moncayola at right-back in an attempt to stop Madrid winger Vinicius.
It did not work. Vinicius burst down the left in the second minute and his dangerous cut was missed by Fede Valverde but slammed home by Rodrygo.
The Brazilian, in sparkling form, scored the first Copa del Rey final goal since 2006 – a year after Osasuna finished runners-up to Real Betis.
Karim Benzema should have doubled Madrid’s lead but Sergio Herrera brilliantly saved to deny the striker after another lightning break from Vinicius.
Osasuna gained a foothold in the game and came inches from equalizing when on-loan Barcelona winger Ez Abde broke through on goal but Dani Carvajal cleared his effort from the line.
Madrid kept pushing for their second goal – David Alaba hit the crossbar with a free kick and Vinicius fell in the box under pressure from Osasuna defender David Garcia.
His appeals were dismissed and Vinicius clashed with Garcia, who attended the 2005 final as a childhood supporter, who ruffled his hair to annoy him further.
Vinicius was booked just before half-time for complaining and exchanged heated words with Osasuna substitute Chimy Avila as the players entered half-time.
Torro broke through Osasuna’s level from the edge of the box when Abde’s deflected cross fell in his way.
The club’s passionate supporters celebrated wildly, including launching a flare that had to be extinguished, and one fan was taken away on a stretcher, although he appeared to be smiling.
Osasuna’s joy didn’t last long, however, with Vinicius making another dangerous flurry down the left – Madrid president Florentino Perez later called him the best in the world in his position.
Vinicius fed Toni Kroos, whose shot was blocked, but Rodrygo was in the right place at the right time to finish with aplomb and put Madrid’s name on the trophy.
“I’m really happy, we were talking about it in the week, it’s been a long time since Madrid won this competition,” Rodrygo told Spanish TV channel La 1.
Osasuna left with a taste for defeat but with his head held high.
“It’s very difficult to defend against (Vinicius) and on Tuesday I’m sure City will suffer too,” coach Arrasate said.
“It’s not news that Vinicius has stood out, Rodrygo has also scored two, we are talking about two of the best players in the world.
“(Madrid) are champions because they deserve this cup, but we are proud of the team and try to do it again.”
Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid won their 20th Spanish Cup at La Cartuja in their 40th final, ending a nine-year wait to lift the trophy again.
Osasuna, who have never won a major trophy, fought well but ultimately fell short against the reigning Spanish and European champions, who face Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.
Madrid have now won all six trophies at their disposal in Ancelotti’s second reign at the club, following the Italian’s return in 2021.
Rodrygo fired Madrid forward two minutes after Vinicius ran down the left, and Ancelotti’s side had the best first-half chances.
However, Lucas Torro equalized for Osasuna in the 58th minute to give them hope of a surprise in their first cup final since 2005, and the second in their history.
Rodrygo prevailed, firing home after a rebound fell to him after another charge from Vinicius, ensuring Madrid would bring the trophy back to the capital.
“They made the difference, Vini knocked them off balance and Rodrygo scored both goals,” Ancelotti said of his Brazilian wingers.
Madrid beat both Atletico Madrid and then rivals Barcelona to reach the final and Ancelotti said it was time to celebrate, but not too much before the clash with City.
“This Copa came at an important time, we went through some very delicate encounters, it’s a deserved prize against strong opponents,” added the coach.
“Tonight we will celebrate, a little, not too much, and then we will get back to work for Tuesday.”
Osasuna coach Jagoba Arrasate has deployed midfielder Jon Moncayola at right-back in an attempt to stop Madrid winger Vinicius.
It did not work. Vinicius burst down the left in the second minute and his dangerous cut was missed by Fede Valverde but slammed home by Rodrygo.
The Brazilian, in sparkling form, scored the first Copa del Rey final goal since 2006 – a year after Osasuna finished runners-up to Real Betis.
Karim Benzema should have doubled Madrid’s lead but Sergio Herrera brilliantly saved to deny the striker after another lightning break from Vinicius.
Osasuna gained a foothold in the game and came inches from equalizing when on-loan Barcelona winger Ez Abde broke through on goal but Dani Carvajal cleared his effort from the line.
Madrid kept pushing for their second goal – David Alaba hit the crossbar with a free kick and Vinicius fell in the box under pressure from Osasuna defender David Garcia.
His appeals were dismissed and Vinicius clashed with Garcia, who attended the 2005 final as a childhood supporter, who ruffled his hair to annoy him further.
Vinicius was booked just before half-time for complaining and exchanged heated words with Osasuna substitute Chimy Avila as the players entered half-time.
Torro broke through Osasuna’s level from the edge of the box when Abde’s deflected cross fell in his way.
The club’s passionate supporters celebrated wildly, including launching a flare that had to be extinguished, and one fan was taken away on a stretcher, although he appeared to be smiling.
Osasuna’s joy didn’t last long, however, with Vinicius making another dangerous flurry down the left – Madrid president Florentino Perez later called him the best in the world in his position.
Vinicius fed Toni Kroos, whose shot was blocked, but Rodrygo was in the right place at the right time to finish with aplomb and put Madrid’s name on the trophy.
“I’m really happy, we were talking about it in the week, it’s been a long time since Madrid won this competition,” Rodrygo told Spanish TV channel La 1.
Osasuna left with a taste for defeat but with his head held high.
“It’s very difficult to defend against (Vinicius) and on Tuesday I’m sure City will suffer too,” coach Arrasate said.
“It’s not news that Vinicius has stood out, Rodrygo has also scored two, we are talking about two of the best players in the world.
“(Madrid) are champions because they deserve this cup, but we are proud of the team and try to do it again.”
