Before the match started, all of us know that this will be one of the classic games to be remembered in the Spanish Cup history. This is the game between arguably two best footballer in the earth, Ronaldo and Messi. This is the game between arguably two best coach in the Spain La Liga, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.
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| Ronaldo vs Messi |
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| Mourinho vs Guardiola |
After 120minutes, it was Real Madrid who walked away with the Spanish Cup as they won by 1-0 over their arch-rivals Barcelona. I sat in front of the television and fortunately, these two teams gave me a fantastic match. Jose Mourinho has been criticized by the media because of the 1-1 draw against Barce last weekend at Bernabeu. Mourinho, after the match last weekend to promise their fans, they will see an improvement by his team at the Copa Del Rey final. Once again, he delivered. There were a little changes by both sides. Madrid still using Pepe as the Defender in front of the back four; Ramos has been moved to the Central Defender, played alongside Carvalho; Ozil replaced Benzema to join Ronaldo and Di Maria at front. Guardiola decided to start his cup keeper Pinto; Mascherano has been moved to the Central Defender to play alongside Pique.
For the first 45 minutes, it was Mourinho's side who controlled the tempo of the game. It was almost all Madrid at the first half. They were unfortunate not to score goal as Ronaldo missed the chance created by Ozil and Pepe's header hit the post just before the half time whistle. It seemed like Barce's players were still unable to find the way to score against this Madrid defense. If there is anyone in this world to stop Barcelona's attacking football, that man will only be Jose Mourinho.
When the second half started, Guardiola's side seemed like finally found their tempo. Xavi and Iniesta started to controlled the possession again. However, the three players up front, Villa, Messi and Pedro were still not get used to the physical contact by the Madrid's defensive line. Madrid's players were looking a little bit tired at the second half as they allowed Barcelona players to gain more possession and create more chances. The controversial arose when Pedro scored an offside goal. The replay showed that the linesman made the right call. At the end, it was 0-0 after 90 minutes. Extra time needed to separate these duo.
Finally, just before the first half of the extra time, it was Real Madrid to find the way break through Barce's defense. Di Maria combined well with Marcelo at the left lane and delivered the cross to the box for Ronaldo to score the winning header. After 120 minutes, it was Madrid who walked away from the stadium with the Copa Del Rey.
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| Newspaper in Spain, Marca |
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| Celebration |
Some of the pundits said that Mourinho's side did not deserve a point after the 1-1 draw with Barce last weekend. But this is football. The 1-1 draw gave his side the confidence that they believe they can actually stop Barcelona's offense. Last night's victory can be crucial, or even the turning point of the season. It depends on how Pep Guardiola's side reacts after this bitter defeat.
I have to praise Mourinho's approach of the game last night. I can see each time when Barcelona tried to bring the ball into the danger area of the Madrid's goal, they found themselves been surrounded or trapped. The M-V-P connection has been cut off. They found themselves isolated most of the time during the match. Madrid has successfully cut off the link between them.
The pundits criticized Mourinho for not playing attacking football like Barcelona. I don't agree with what they said though. There is no team in this world will be able to win the game against Barcelona by playing attacking game with them. Just see how Arsenal got their ass kicked by Barce (No offend to Gunner's fans). What I trying to say is, if you cannot win your opponent by offense, then take them down by your defense. There is no point for you to play sexy football and lose matches/competition.
The best player in the game last night? That's definitely not Ronaldo or Messi. In my opinion, the man of the match was either Iker Casillas or Sergio Ramos. I believe Ramos's quickness and decisiveness will make him one of the great Central Defender of the world. Yes, I mean Central Defender, not Right Back. For Casillas, what else can you say? He made important saves and kept the clean sheet.
It is happy and great to be a football fans. As you know, Champions League is just around the corner. I just can't wait.
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