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Main » 2013 » May » 18 » Real Madrid 1:2 Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid 1:2 Atletico Madrid

An extra-time goal from Joao Miranda saw Atletico Madrid win their 10th Copa del Rey, beating fierce rivals Real Madrid 2-1 on Friday.
Real struck first through Cristiano Ronaldo, who later saw red and joined his coach Jose Mourinho in being sent off, but Diego Costa's effort cancelled out the opener.

As the game heated up and got more open, Miranda was the unlikely hero, popping up with a powerful header in the 99th minute, securing the club their first Copa del Rey success since 1996 and first win over Real in 14 years.

Real made a host of changes to the side which drew 1-1 against Espanyol, with Sergio Ramos and Fabio Coentrao returning in defence and Ronaldo, Sami Khedira, Mesut Oezil and Xabi Alonso back in midfield.

Karim Benzema replaced Gonzalo Higuain in attack.

There were two changes for Atletico from their 2-1 defeat against Barcelona, with Filipe Luis replacing Emiliano Insua and Mario Suarez starting ahead of Tiago in midfield.

The hosts got off to a strong start and earned their reward after 14 minutes when Ronaldo leapt highest to head past Thibaut Courtois from a corner.

Atletico then began to get into their passing rhythm and 10 minutes before the break they drew level with their city rivals.

Radamel Falcao twisted and turned away from his marker before playing in Costa for the Brazilian to shoot past Diego Lopez, who was unable to get a strong enough hand to the strike. 

Oezil struck the post after good work from Coentrao just before the break but the scores remained level at the interval.

Real very nearly took the lead again when Courtois was almost caught out by an Oezil free-kick, while Filipe had the first real chance of the half for Atletico, striking just past Lopez's goal.

Mourinho's men should have been 2-1 up around the hour mark when Ronaldo squared for Benzema, who hit the post, before Oezil's follow-up effort was cleared off the line by Juanfran. 

Ronaldo hit the post with a free-kick, the third time Real had done so in the game, with Michael Essien unable to convert the rebound, and Real continued to apply the pressure.

The frustration became too much for Mourinho, who was dismissed from the touchline for remonstrating with the officials as the game headed into extra time.

Costa had a great opportunity to put his side ahead after 94 minutes when Falcao again played him in but he saw his effort saved by Lopez.

Atletico did not have to wait much longer to go ahead. 

Koke's cross found Miranda, who headed powerfully past Lopez to give Atletico the lead.

Real looked to strike back, with Higuain forcing a good save from Courtois, while the Belgian again pulled off a stunning save to keep Oezil out in the 108th minute.

Ronaldo was dismissed for a kick on Gabi late on and a small fracas ensued. 

Gabi also saw red after picking up his second yellow card late in the contest, and Real were unable to find an equaliser to force a penalty shootout.
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