Rodrygo Goes fired Real Madrid to Copa del Rey glory with a clinical double in a 2-1 victory over CA Osasuna in Seville on Saturday, with Brazilian compatriot Vinicius Junior playing a part in both goals.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid earned 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 tomorrow in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Photo: AP
Madrid have now won all six of the trophies available to them during Ancelotti’s second reign at the club, after the Italian returned in 2021.
Rodrygo fired Madrid ahead inside 2 minutes after Vinicius’ run down the left, and Ancelotti’s team had the better chances in the first half.
However, Lucas Torro leveled for Osasuna in the 58th minute to give them hope of an upset in their first cup final since 2005, and second ever.
Rodrygo whisked it away, firing home after a rebound fell his way following another Vinicius charge, ensuring Madrid would take the trophy back to the capital.
“They made the difference, Vini unbalanced them and Rodrygo scored the two goals,” Ancelotti said of his Brazilian wingers.
Madrid beat Atletico Madrid and then rivals Barcelona to reach the final, and Ancelotti said it was time to celebrate, but not too heavily ahead of the clash with City.
“This Copa arrived at an important moment. We came through very tricky ties; it’s a deserved prize against strong opponents,” he added. “This night we will celebrate, a little bit, not too much, and then we will get back to work for Tuesday.”
Osasuna departed with the taste of defeat, but their heads held high.
“It’s very difficult to defend against [Vinicius] and on Tuesday I am sure City will suffer too,” coach Arrasate said. “It’s not news that Vinicius stood out, Rodrygo scored two as well — we’re talking about two of the best players in the world.”
Madrid “are champions because they deserve this cup, but we’re proud of the team, and let’s try to do it again,” he added.
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