A brace from Rodrygo Goes lifted Real Madrid to a 2-1 win over Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, securing Real Madrid's third trophy of the season.
Rodrygo put Madrid ahead in the second minute after Vinicius Junior had opened up the Osasuna defence. Karim Benzema -- again set up by Vinicius -- was denied by goalkeeper Sergio Herrera, and at the other end Dani Carvajal cleared an Abde effort off the line, while David Alaba hit the crossbar before halftime.
Osasuna levelled early in the second half, midfielder Lucas Torro shooting low into the bottom corner, but 12 minutes later Rodryo restored Madrid's lead -- after another Vinicius dribble -- to secure the win. The cup win is Real Madrid's 20th Copa del Rey in history, and their first since the 2014-13 season.
Rapid reaction
1. Ancelotti completes two-year trophy haul
It's now a full set for Carlo Ancelotti. In the two years since the Italian manager returned for his second spell at the helm of Real Madrid, the team have won it all, lifting each of the available trophies once. The 2021-22 LaLiga and Champions League double was the most impressive leg of that clean sweep, for sure, but adding the 2023 Copa del Rey -- a trophy Madrid hadn't won since 2014 -- to the collection is a decent coda.
This Copa del Rey won't define Real Madrid's season. That verdict will come soon enough in the Champions League with Real Madrid facing Manchester City in the semifinals starting next week -- particularly now that the LaLiga trophy looks destined for Barcelona. But having reached the Copa del Rey final, it was Madrid's obligation to win it. That's what they do, their impressive record now standing at 20 wins in 24 finals in all competitions over the last decade.
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Ancelotti said before the game that he treats each final like "it could be my last." If Man City eliminate Madrid from the Champions League by City, it might well be given the rumours Ancelotti is being heavily pursued for other coaching jobs. And if so, this was an enjoyable way to go out. Madrid went ahead early, played well and created a steady stream of chances, and had the mental strength to react when Osasuna pulled level.
Ancelotti's team selection felt right, with an in-form, attack-minded front three backed up by the steel of Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde in midfield, while his substitutions -- introducing the experienced Antonio Rudiger and Luka Modric -- helped Madrid see out the game. Whatever happens in the Champions League, this will be a night Madridistas will remember fondly.
2. Vinicius was the final's MVP, and controversy magnet
This was Vinicius Junior's final, in every sense. And you get the feeling it won't be his last. There wasn't a moment when the spotlight was off the Brazilian, whether he was beating defenders, creating chances, or sparking a halftime ruckus in the tunnel.
Three times in the first fifteen minutes, Vinicius caused havoc on the left-hand side. Osasuna's Jon Moncayola -- tasked with stopping him -- just couldn't cope. He was handed a yellow card in the 20th minute for hauling the Brazilian back.
Every time Vinicius got the ball, he looked like making something happen. Midway through the first half he got in again, setting up Benzema. On 35 minutes, he cut inside and shot just over.
Real Madrid won their 20th Copa del Rey trophy, their first since the 2013-14 season, with a 2-1 win over Osasuna on May 6, 2023 in Spain. EPA/Julio Munoz
There was time for controversy, too. Vinicius appeared to avoid shaking the hands of the refereeing team before the game, was booked before halftime for complaining, and had to be calmed down by teammates Lucas Vazquez and Dani Ceballos, with harsh words exchanged with Chimy Avila on the way down the tunnel.
There's no doubt Vinicius is one of the most thrilling players to watch anywhere in the world right now. But it's an open question whether these clashes with opponents and referees are an unnecessary hindrance, or a part of the package. When he's playing this well though, maybe it doesn't matter all that much.
3. Osasuna play their part in second-ever final
They wouldn't admit it, but for Osasuna, getting to this final was enough of a prize. The club have never won a major trophy and have only played one previous Copa del Rey final in their history, losing 2-1 after extra time to Real Betis in 2005.
This showpiece appearance is proof of the club's upward trajectory under coach Jagoba Arrasate over the last five years -- a journey which started in the second division and now finds them as regulars in the top half of LaLiga -- and whatever happened here in Seville, this was an uncomplicated good news story.
About the Creator
Fire Emblem Heroes
Fire Emblem Heroes! Back in 2017, this mobile game launched everywhere in the US, and I was excited. The ability to collect or summon heroes from all the Fire Emblem series, a series I have come to appreciate, was nothing short of awesome! Popular characters such as Marth, Ike, Lyn, Lucina, and Corrin were just the tip of this iceberg in this fun collecting, game playing game. Even within a few months after the games release, they added even more characters, and this trend has continued even till this day!
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Peanuts and Crackerjack
Bottom of the ninth inning. The game is tied with two outs, two strikes and a man on second. I tap the bat on home plate. The rigid vibrations it creates reminds my aching digits that this isn't over. The practice swing only adds to the heft of mental burnout... Man on second, willing to chance it. Pitcher eyes him but doesn't give in to the dangerous bluff. I kick up dust, readying the peculiar stance I've had since the days of little league. The bat lays stiff upon my cramping shoulder. Pain has no reason to be acknowledged; it's a fleeting afterthought. The sun sits passed high noon, but the stadium lights are on anyway. They trick my brain into believing they are the cause of this sweltering heat. Sporadic clouds are motionless, they too, don't want to miss this exhilarating predicament. Anticipating the next pitch, intensifying roars from the crowd rumble the stadium... Behind me, the crafty catcher adjusts his stance and spits to the dry dirt. Behind him, the staunch umpire doesn't flinch or even blink; he knows how important his call will be. The pitcher winds up, his grip tells me its gonna curve. The release is fierce! Beads of sweat from his hair and face disperse in every direction as the force of his might is unfailing. My left leg lifts—an instinctual move that will increase the power of my swing. It's all down to my two, bloodshot eyes. They lock onto the speeding, white dot as it instantly becomes the target I intend to destroy. The swing is late, but I manage a solid tip. The ball is taking a fast bounce toward the pitcher who is recovering from the almighty throw! Man on second leaves in a desperate rush! I fling the bat to the side with a sense of urgency and make a mad sprint to the only destination I have—first base. Three defenders race inward to be the first to retrieve the skidding ball. Man is almost on third! I watch the open glove of my adversary, wondering if I’ve done enough to win this race. I switch my attention to his eyes, looking for a clue, some kind of reaction that tells me the ball is in the air and heading his way. All I see is frustration. The deafening roar of the crowd spikes! Something happens that I can’t see! My opponent abandons his post right as my left stride touches the bag. I waste no time turning my head to see the pitcher laying on his stomach, pounding the mound with an open glove. He misses the opportunity to out me and the ball has quickly bounced past him. Excitement grows! This isn’t over yet... It's become an imperative fight to tag out the runner heading homeward. The catcher falls to his knees in obvious despair as he watches my teammate make the run of his life. He knows it’s going to be close when he sees the shortstop fumble the ball a second too long. I jump up and down with no plans on leaving first base. All my chips are on the speed and agility of the active runner. His cleats dig into the dirt, trailing a dust-filled cyclone from the rapid and strenuous strides. With a thrusting dive and an outstretched arm, he lands on his chest to begin the crucial slide to home plate. The shortstop fires the ball to the catcher! It immediately begins closing the gap! Nail-biting doesn't begin to describe the anxious vibe permeating the stadium. The bench begins to celebrate even before he reaches the plate. Forty thousand cheering fans reach maximum crescendo, filling the air with a glorious sound. Everyone knows how this story will end… My teammate is met by the entire bench as his fingers inch across home plate, instantly followed by the unmistakable motion of the catcher's glove attempting to tag him out—its milliseconds too late. The ump swings his arms outward, officially calling him safe.
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