Sports Desk, May 6 (EFE).- Real Madrid hoisted the Copa del Rey trophy for the 20th time in their history after defeating Osasuna 2-1 in Saturday’s final at La Cartuja stadium in Seville.
Brazilian striker Rodrygo had a brace for the winning side and countryman Vinicius Jr. had a decisive role in both goals.
As the Blancos celebrated their first Copa triumph since 2014, Osasuna, who have never won the competition, suffered defeat in the final for a second time in 18 years.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men got off to a perfect start.
While Real Madrid were without the injured Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos, Vini and Eduardo Camavinga came back from suspension and David Alaba returned to the squad after time lost to a hamstring industry.
Vini stormed down the left side and beat two defenders before cutting back to Rodrygo, whose effort from the far post took a fortunate deflection to put Real Madrid up 1-0 in the 2nd minute.
Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera made a fine stop against Karim Benzema in the 25th minute and the team from Pamplona nearly drew level on the ensuing counter.
Ez Abde got past Eder Militao and keeper Thibaut Courtois was beaten, but Dani Carvajal intervened in time to stop the ball from going in the net.
Only the cross-bar stopped David Alaba from doubling the lead for the Blancos on a free kick in the 32nd minute, which turned out to be the last serious chance of the first half for either team.
Despite the narrow advantage, Real Madrid appeared to be in control until the 58th minute, when a cross from Abde found its way to Lucas Torro and the midfielder got the better of Courtois with a strike through a crowd of bodies.
Conceding spurred the Blancos to action and they reclaimed the lead in the 70th minute.
Yet again, Vinicius cut through the Osasuna defense and an attempted clearance went straight to Toni Kroos. Defender David Garcia blocked the German’s shot, but the ball fell to Rodrygo, who chipped it over Herrera.
Osasuna battled on, but failed to put another shot on target.
Real Madrid captain Benzema accepted the trophy from King Felipe VI, who flew to Seville from London after attending the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III.
EFE agr/dr
