Spanish Cup 2010-2011 Summary

Here you will remember all the games played for Real Madrid during the 2010-2011 season of the Spanish Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo's goal ended with eighteen years of abstinence from the last Real Madrid's title in the Copa del Rey. Mourinho's first title for Real Madrid and the first final that Guardiola has lost on FC Barclona bench.

SPANISH CUP TABLE

Spanish Cup Table

Final: Barcelona 0 - Real Madrid 1

Semifinals (2nd Leg): Real Madrid 2 - Sevilla 0

Semifinals (1st Leg): Sevilla 0 - Real Madrid 1

Quarterfinals (2nd Leg): Atletico 0 - Real Madrid 1

Quarterfinals (1st Leg): Real Madrid 3 - Atletico 1

5th Round (2nd Leg): Levante 2 - Real Madrid 0

5th Round (1st Leg): Real Madrid 8 - Levante 0

4th Round (2nd Leg): Real Madrid 5 - Murcia 1

4th Round (1st Leg): Murcia 0 - Real Madrid 0

Sergio Ramos' Cup goes to museum

Do you remember what happened to the trophy of the Spanish Cup in hands of Sergio Ramos? Ramos dropped the trophy from the open-top deck of the team bus as he waved to supporters who were celebrating the triumph in Madrid, the Spanish capital. The trophy fell right in front of the vehicle, but the driver didn't notice the incident and accidentally drove straight over the silverware.

Spanish Cup Trophy after the accident

Well. The Cup is in the Museum of the Spanish Football Federation in Las Rozas (Madrid), where the "Picassian" piece is exposed as a celebrated curiosity. Should be recognized that, unlike other sad shape trophies, this Cup trophy is inspiring. To start, is the Cup that Real Madrid snatched to Messi's Barcelona, fact that history will appreciate in the right measure... and also Mourinho. It is the first Spanish Cup that Casillas lifted from the hand of the Spain's King. And finally, is the first Cup that "jumped" from a bus as the divers of Acapulco.

When looking at the trophy, think that the Cup accepts infinite interpretations. If the criteria is the rhythm, we could say that its dislocated recalls Elvis's pelvis. From a gastronomic point of view, we could say that it is an unstructured Cup (in the style of Ferran Adria's cuisine) and if the chef has made ​​a fortune, do not see why the Sergio's Cup could not succeed. And do not dismiss admire the trophy as work of art at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

In short, if the wrinkle is beautiful, dents too. As in the face, in each groove lies a story. In the Sergio Ramos' Cup... can be many.

Mourinho revives the goddess Cibeles

Cibeles is a goddess of life, death and resurrection. For a whole century "She" enjoyed with white titles on offer, then lived three years in the underworld. Florentino Perez recruited Jose Mourinho to return to winning titles and argue with the rivals Barcelona, its hegemony. At the first opportunity he has had, 'The Special One' has brought the Spanish Cup to Cibeles.

Iker Casillas kisses the Goddess Cibeles

It seemed an impossible mission. The Pep Guardiola's Barcelona was a team of warriors known for their great victories in Rome, Vienna and South Africa. Under a global football, was believed to be a set invincible. Canaletas fountain fed the Barcelona's thirst for win again and again.

Eight consecutive titles for Catalan side and Real Madrid did not bring a championship to Cibeles. But no more. Mourinho, who had broken with Inter Milan, the Barcelona's hegemony in Europe, was signed by Real Madrid to end its dominance in Spain. And so did the April 20, 2011. 'The Special One', set to work on the complicated project. He received grievances from all sides, even from other gods of the white team and was severely beaten by Barcelona in his first game. But the Portuguese continued cooking the plan.

And in the first final that has joined arch-rivals, the first title of 2011, the 'Mou Team' ended the reign of 'Pep Team. He has been signed for that and although there are League and European Cup, where anything can happen with the deadly Barca, Mourinho has shown that this signing will lead to Real Madrid at the top.

The last time the Real Madrid had given a title to Cibeles, Raúl, the captain and football hero, offered it. Yesterday a new generation led by Jose Mourinho began a new white era. It is not known if as glorious as those of past time, but able to win titles and end the hegemony of Barcelona.

Spanish Cup Final: Mourinho reactions

MOURINHO: "I AM PROUD OF MY TEAM, THE FANS AND MY PEOPLE"

Jose Mourinho appeared calm during his turn to speak following Real Madrid's Copa del Rey title win and the manager revealed his immediate reaction when the referee blew the final whistle. "I went to the dressing room to call my family and rest a little. I wanted the players to enjoy it. I am tired, but happy", he commented.

Mourinho: Spanish Cup Final

"It was an evenly-fought match. We were better in the first half and they were better in the second. Casillas responded very well. We made very few mistakes in what was a very serious match. The players were very focused and knew what to do. We played our lines tight in extra time and I think Barcelona were a little tired psychologically. Whoever scores first in extra time tends to win. It was a great football match".

"It is always good to win titles. Someone called me a 'Title Coach' a few days ago. I like the name. That is my job. I am proud of my team, the fans and my people. This is my fourth Cup win and I am very proud".

"This match has nothing to do with that we will see in the Champions League. Each will be different. We will see what happens between two great teams over the course of two matches. Anything is possible".

"My job at Real Madrid this season goes beyond winning titles. I am changing other important things. I am very relaxed and very happy right now. It is good to start off by winning titles and it lifts a big weight of the players' shoulders, but I have a lot of experience in this and according to the newspapers I should have played with six forwards. We played like we played, and did so against a great team, which makes what we did that much better".

Link

Real Madrid: Spanish Cup Champion

BARCELONA 0 - REAL MADRID 1

It is very probable that last night we were watching the final of the future, a game ahead of its time, an extreme representation of physical and tactical prowess, faced symbolically, against the sublime version of the combination play. Real Madrid won, the body and faith, the strenuous sacrifice , solidarity and desire, probably because there was no other way to defeat an opponent as formidable as Barcelona. There have been few champions such great as this Real Madrid because so few losers have played such a great final. A match that was in the hands of each team and was decided in extra time by the head of Cristiano.

Real Madrid: Spanish Cup Champion 2011

Tense, beautiful, stressful, crazy and sane. This was the final, full of alternatives. The first half was dominated by Real Madrid, almost completely. The difference from last Saturday is that the pressure came forward several meters, so that the white team went from refugee on home area, as in the first Classic, to attack on enemy territory. This development, with Khedira and Pepe in the rival area, had a valuable effect on the image and content. Barcelona was not breathing, as in the first assault, but that Catalan side felt threatened. Every Barcelona attempt to play the ball became a daunting task, usually unfinished. When Barcelona players overcome the first line with Pepe, Khedira, Cristiano and Di Maria, then there was Xabi and his rump defense, all rabid. This difficulty was noted soon with the sinking of Messi in a sea of legs and his resistance to exile in a side of the midfield.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, enjoyed the plans which go well, the examinations about lessons well learned. Inspired by Özil, the team stole the ball high up and shot quickly, looking for Cristiano or Di Maria rides, just like Saturday, but this time at an advantage. With this scenario, the first opportunity had to be for Real. Özil controlled in the area and his excellent pass to Cristiano Ronaldo, left the Portuguese in front of goal. It was when fans warned the Cristiano anxiety, hurried and inaccurate in that ball control.

By this time ot the Spanish Cup Final, we had discovered a parallel battle, which raged both teams and benches to intimidate the referee, for leaning on its case. Each fault brought an uproar of complaints and theatrical accusations. The referee was like an old teacher, nearing retirement, in a class with troubled adolescents.

Madrid enjoyed this minefield as this was full of flowers. Özil grazed the crossbar with a ball jointed with the right leg and, immediately afterwards, launched a lengthy pass that Cristiano does not reached by sheer lack of faith. The German was not satisfied with that. He continued to attend Cristiano although gave his best pass to Pepe, an exquisite ball that flew with a smile. Pepe caught up it, and the header was superb, but hit the post.

After the break, the question was how Guardiola's team would react, how would afloat, how would return to the road to the championship. On returning from the locker room had an answer. Madrid looked tired and Guardiola's speech should have been brilliant, because Barcelona began to make the game that has made it famous. At a stroke had taken the meters Madrid's lungs could not cover.

Barcelona opportunities occurred as the tapping of a woodpecker. Pedro implemented the first shot, near a square. After a while, he scored a goal, disallowed for an offside that was. Then Messi, with a very hard shot that Casillas repelled; the first miracle. Pedro came back with a high shot that Iker deflected to complete the second miracle, just before adding the third. An incredible save to abort a fantastic shot, that was born goal, from Iniesta.

However, the last moments of the second half, belonged to Real Madrid. In minute 90, Di María shot with his right leg as the left-handed, with purity and poison. Pinto, the goalkeeper of Barcelona, secondary actor until then, became principal actor. The save was extraordinary.

Cristiao Ronaldo celebrates his goal

After this siege, the extension left ​​Real Madrid in the best position and Barcelona more fearful. Cristiano, before slightly tired, seemed to be powered by new air. And he confirmed it very soon. Xabi Alonso drew a pass that was a hare and the Portuguese sprinter had time to catch it. The ball licked the stick.

He was not going to fail in the second opportunity. That distinguishes carnivores geniuses. Marcelo and Di María produced the play at left side. The ball left the left foot of the Argentinian, but it flew high. Just Cristiano had forces to jump. Only he could rise the ball, imperial, magnificent, with time to enjoy it, the goal, a photo.

At the end there was not harassment of Barcelona, only glory contained by Real Madrid, after years of absence. Because Real Madrid is back, finally, to the place that white team frequented recently. From the hand of Mourinho, with his style and his faith.

Summary

Stadium: Mestalla
Attendance: 50,000
Goal: 0-1, m.103: Cristiano Ronaldo

Preview: Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Spanish Cup Final)

More than a game and more than a Cup. Tonight is at stake, in the frame of a splendid final, the prevalence of a system and style, also a philosophy. Whoever wins today, will be right. Will be right tonight, at least and will be a very long tonight, may last many days.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona

The first Classic of the series did not resolve the doubts. The draw left both armies with its right. On the one hand, Mourinho and supporters. For them winning is not a game, but a survival exercise. No matter the swimming style, brand butterfly or kindergarten puppy: the only goal is to stay afloat, ashore. On the other hand, Guardiola and supporters. The journey to the target as enjoyable as the goal. Football understood as ballet and fencing.

On paper, the sides will continue as distinct as in the Bernabeu. Is expected Real Madrid repeats with Pepe as the mainmast, key piece on the midfield that will complete Xabi and Khedira. No other speculation because Lass, still recovering, does not enter on the list. In the defense, Ramos will repalce Albiol, with Carvalho, Marcelo and Arbeloa on the right side The attack is not so clear, but Mourinho made clear a doubt: there will be 9. Özil has more options to play than Di Maria and Adebayor could be the striker. He was very active on Saturday and a good option for the air balls that Barcelona defends so bad.

In Barcelona, the first question is who will be the partner of Piqué: It looks like Puyol, although Busquets and Mascherano are at attention. More certain is the presence of Keita in midfield, probably as compensation for the heavy machinery that opposes Real Madrid.

Messi is the big question. He did not walked comfortable pursued by Pepe in the last match. To avoid marking he could move to the wings, probably to Marcelo's, where he will find a power enemy but with fewer teeth. With this movement also will help Alves. Another possibility to contain Marcelo, is Alves playing as midfielder, somethig that he did last season in the Classic at the Bernabeu.

If the improvement of Madrid is located in the Özil's creative input in connection with Cristiano and his ability to advance the midfield line, Barcelona focuses on Messi and Iniesta. The first was far of his level in the first assault and the second just came to life during the game. And we talk about a key player, an escapist, the perfect player to remove the opponent's pressure. This time Iniesta will be ahead in the place of Pedrito.

It's the second Clasicc in less than a week and the first opportunity to win a title. Mestalla may just be where Real Madrid win their first "Copa del Rey" in 18 years. By standing as one, fans and players have the Spanish Cup within grasp.

Copa del Rey: Real Madrid's last curse

If there is a title that remains elusive to Real Madrid, it is the "Copa del Rey". It's been almost 18 years since June 26, 1993, also at the Mestalla Stadium, Manolo Sanchis lifted the last Spanish Cup that Real Madrid has won. Players like Raul and Guti, who have marked an era, have left the club with after winning all the titles less it. It is a thorn that has the Real Madrid.

Sanchis and Butragueño: Spanish Cup 1993

Casillas, captain of Real Madrid, has for many years the title between the eyes. Iker knows what is to lift the European Championship and World Cup, the greatest national team competitions, but has not lifted a trophy with Real Madrid captain's armband.

"It's a very important trophy that Real Madrid can not afford to be 18 years without getting" Casillas said this week, orphan of Spanish Cup titles despite nearly 12 years since first wearing of the Real jersey. This sentence speaks clearly about the feeling of the veterans in the Madrid dressing room.

Only the curse of the European Cup between 1966 and 1998 exceeds the prolonged drought in the Spanish Cup. If white team celebrated in a big way that title in the Amsterdam Arena with a goal from Mijatovic, it was because more than one generation of Real Madrid fans did not know what was winning the continental top competition. After 32 years without tasting a European Cup, the first colored tasted like heaven.

Tonight the Real Madrid has the opportunity to win a title that the Spain's King does not deliver to the white captain for 18 years. It was precisely at the Mestalla Stadium where Madrid won its last Cup title. After 18 years, team can achieve the 18th Spanish Cup title. If not, the curse will endure.

Casillas: "We must fight as a team"

The captain of Real Madrid, Iker Casillas, was hopeful about the chances of his team in the final of the "Copa del Rey", where white team will face Barcelona on Wednesday and underlined the importance of the event: "It's a very important trophy that Real Madrid can not afford to be 17 years without getting", said Madrid goalkeeper.

Iker Casillas

In addition, Casillas said thet the Cup "Will be even more important if Real Madrid gets it". "For us it is something important, something vital that I have not win in the eleven years I've been here", Casillas said in an interview to the website of Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper said that it is "A final, the prettier match so far this season in Spanish football". "We know that behind us is going to be many people who love Real Madrid and they will endeavor to come to Valencia despite the high price of the tickets", said the Spaniard.

Also, Casillas admitted that in the Real Madrid dressing room are convinced that "it is time to lift many cups, but we know it is not easy". The first opportunity will come this Wednesday with "a vibrant and exciting game between the two best teams in Spain in which anything can happen".

About, how Real Madrid must play the game against Barcelona, he said the most important thing is concentration: "On Wednesday we should be kept at a high level, stay focused from beginning to end. We must play a serious game and be focused on each action. We must fight as a team. Nobody is going to give away the trophy", said.

Also showed his intention that, despite the rivalry between both clubs, should have fair play in the final: "I hope that there will be no problems and just talk about football". Thus, claimed "a fair play match where no one causes the other to get out of the game". "On behalf of Real Madrid and Real Madrid fans will not be any problem. In the field we have demonstrated that we are gentlemen and we respect our opponent. At no time we make fuss and try to expel a partner to take advantage", said the Spanish international.

Finally, he wanted to emphasize the figure of Jose Mourinho: "A winning person who from the first time, gave importance to the Cup. The coach has instilled in us that every game is important". "He has put us this on the head and we learned to play in difficult days against Murcia, Levante, Atletico and Sevilla. He has instilled us his desire to reach this final and to win", concluded .

Spanish Cup Final. "We want a stadium full of white jerseys"

The slogan came out yesterday from Valdebebas where Mourinho and his players were training at the time in which many Spanish citizens were enjoying lunch. Casillas, as first captain, Sergio Ramos, Cristiano, Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Pepe and Marcelo led an initiative that the media notes 24 hours after the Spanish Cup Final in Valencia. "We want a stadium full of white jerseys. That all the fans of Real Madrid at the Mestalla Stadium, try wearing the white jersey of Madrid and all white symbols as possible. So we will see them clearly during the game and will serve as added motivation".

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The request for help from the fans comes from the Champions League match against Lyon. Mourinho took the lead: "The Bernabeu can be even hotter". Against Tottenham, Real Madrid fans answered and was lived an amazing atmosphere, with 70,000 white flags that featured a special match. Mourinho will insist and will ask for a special support for the white fans in his appearance tonight at the Mestalla press conference.

For the captain, Iker Casillas, there must be greater complicity with the 20,618 fans that will support their team. Casillas has won everything; World Cup, European Cup, Champions League, Intercontinental, Leagues, Super Cups of Spain and Europe ... but never the Spanish Cup. "We hope that the 20,000 Real Madrid fans go to the field with something white to be visible and differentiate them from others. We have to win this Cup for the people that love Real Madrid".

The desire of the players will be fulfilled in large part because sales of Real Madrid jerseys corroborate it. According to data provided by the club, in 2010 were sold worldwide over three million jerseys. In this spectacular figure, one million were sold in Spain. The club also hopes that today or tomorrow, many "madridistas" traveling to the final will answer to the request of the players and will buy the jersey to be seen in the stands with the white that will contrast clearly with the darker sector of Barcelona fans.

Spanish Cup Final: Guardiola vs Mourinho

Reached the end of the line, Pep Guardiola never failed as coach. In his record he includes six victories in as many finals, but in the next, in the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) for the first time is faced with Jose Mourinho who has a great record; seventeen finals, twelve victories.

Guardiola vs Mourinho

Spanish Cup shows the first Guardiola vs Mourinho final, two of the best strategists in European football. Guardiola won every final he contested in two years always as Barcelona coach. The Spanish Cup and the Champions League in two weeks, in May 2009, opened the spotless record of the current coach of the Catalan side.

Mourinho's curriculum is more extensive than Guardiola's. The Portuguese coach lost his last final in August 2009 in the Italian Super Cup in Beijing between his team, Inter Milan, and Lazio. The Portuguese lived seventeen finals with three different teams (Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan). In Oporto, lost two, against Benfica (Portuguese Cup) and Milan (European Super Cup). With Chelsea suffered two defeats; Liverpool and Manchester United (both in English Super Cup). And a final lost with Inter Milan against Lazio (Italian Super Cup).

With Real Madrid he will play his eighteenth final eight years since he conquered his first final on the bench as coach. On May 21, 2003, Porto beat Celtic Glasgow in the UEFA Cup final (3-2).

Spanish Cup Final: Özil will play in the starting lineup

The letters were on the table with a view to the Copa del Rey Final. Mourinho will insist on his idea of three defensive players in the midfiled with Pepe, but will make a small change: Özil will start instead of Benzema, but the design is the same that contained Barcelona at the Bernabeu : the 4-3-3.

Mesut Özil against Barcelona

On Saturday, Xavi, Messi and Iniesta, with Pepe in the middle of the field, combined with more passes than in the first Classic of the season (5-0) or above the average they have in the League. But most of the combinations were unsuccessful, harassed by several white players without the possibility of creating danger. They made 109 passes, for 73 of the Camp Nou match, where Casillas made ​​two stops and conceded five goals. At the Bernabeu Stadium, Iker made ​​five stops and conceded just one goal from the penalty spot.

The presence of Pepe (paired with Messi, as Khedira with Iniesta) prevented what happened in the 5-0; Messi (without player assigned, free to play between the Real Madrid lines) gave four deadly passes to the back of white defense (two goals -both of Villa- and two almost -Xavi and Bojan-). That Barcelona's poor verticality on Saturday, was motivated by another difference; the Madrid defensive line was in a backward position (with the team together) at the Bernabeu than in the Camp Nou.

But Mourinho is a specialist in moving the tab during the game. His idea is to reach the last minutes of the Cup final with the possibility of winning. But if the team does not score a goal on the counter-attack and the script is twisted by a Barcelona goal, the Portuguese coach could place his team on the usual 4-2-3-1 with just one change; one of the central defenders (Ramos or Carvalho) would be replaced by Higuain or Benzema. Pepe would move back to his normal defense position and Özil would leave the right side to lead the team supported by Xabi and Khedira, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Di Maria in the wings.

Spanish Cup Final: Mestalla Stadium

The Spanish Football Federation confirmed yesterday that the stadium for the final of the 'Copa del Rey' on 20 April, will be Mestalla. Unanimous decision. A meeting was held yesterday between the two finalists and the Federation. The two clubs have requested 20,000 tickets for each (in 2009 Barcelona and Bilbao had 18,500) and will be answered in the coming days. "Demand is going to be huge and we have asked that effort to the Federation. They have said that they will look kindly" said Butragueño at the end of the meeting. Mestalla has a capacity of 55,000 spectators so 15,000 tickets will remain for Spanish Federation commitments.

Mestalla Stadium

In addition, Real Madrid and Barcelona have asked that the final schedule was changed. It was scheduled to be played between 9:30 and 10 pm, but the clubs have asked to be between 8:30 and 8:45 hours. Now the Federation and Spanish Television (TVE) will have to reach an agreement.

Madrid and Barcelona want to draw their tickets and will make it as soon as the Federation confirms the number of seats available. In Madrid, more than 100,000 petitions, tickets will be drawn between club members who request it. Real can remain with a quota for commitment of the club (players, veterans, foundation, sponsors ...). Real Madrid will make public how it will be the ticket distribution.

Cup Semifinals (2nd Leg): Casillas and Adebayor reactions

IKER CASILLAS: "WE HAVE A DEBT. THE SPANISH CUP"

Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas has recognized the special joy of reaching the Cup final because RealMadrid has made a historic debt to the competition: "Real Madrid cannot afford to be 17 years without winning the Spanish Cup. We now it's going to be tough but we're there".

The goalkeeper recognizes that the month of January has been tough but does not believe the team is feeling the fatigue: "Has been a month complicated but I hope that when we play the Cup final we also stay alive in other competitions. We had a road more difficult, with Atletico and Sevilla, the two teams that played the last final. In League we've had tough games both in and outside the Bernabeu. But we have good numbers and we are in the final of Spanish Cup. The punishment was not to get the three points of Pamplona which were fundamental".

Real Madrid captain has also insisted that the team does not throw the league despite the seven-point gap separating them from Barcelona: "We do not give up because we have been educated in this way by those who have worn this shirt. Seven points are a good head for Barcelona but not definitive. Now we are going to fight in League and Champions. The next target is the Real Sociedad, three points on Sunday".


EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR: "IT WAS A SPECIAL MATCH FOR ME"

Emmanuel Adebayor

"It was a very special match for me. It's a dream come true to play in the team of my dreams with all our fans at the Santiago Bernabeu. Also I was able to score a goal. I am very happy".

"I am here to play all that I am supposed to play. I will try to play the best I can, whether it's 15 or 20 minutes. I get to play with great footballers like Ronaldo, Kaka, Ozil, Khedira... I think Benzema played great. He had several chances. He didn't score, but that's football. He is a great player and he will score many goals to get the team targets".

"There are two competitions very important to us. There is still a lot of time before the final, so we must now focus on the League and the European Cup. We will be facing Barcelona, one of the best teams in the world. It will be a tough final, but we will have our chances".

Cup Semifinals (2nd Leg): Mourinho reactions

With calm tone, José Mourinho analyzed away from the controversy this time, Real Madrid win over Sevilla: "It took us a lot to get to this final, and because of the difficulty of our path to reach it, I truly believe we deserve it. We played nine straight matches in January and we played well in all of them. Now we should forget a Cup that has hurt us, because it has taken us reaching the last game. We deserve it because the way we had. In two weeks we had to play two games against Sevilla and two against Atletico".

Jose Mourinho

"We didn't want to speculate with the outcome and we tried to score from the very first minute. We tried and tried but weren't able to score. Sevilla had to play riskier football in the second half and we managed to score. The goal provided some much needed relief. I am very happy with the way the team has grown. They have managed these ties well and overcome a lot of difficulties. Although they took their toll, I think we have gained some very valuable experience".

"We have taken this competition very seriously since the first match because we want to return this club to a prestigious place in it. The players played very hard to get here. We can't wait to play and win the final. There are no favorites in finals. History says so. Many times the least likely team is the one who walks away with the title".

About the lack of relay to the starter players he said: "It's a lot easier to be a reporter than a coach. A coach is asked to rotate his players, but if they don't work then he takes the blame. If he doesn't, the team gets tired and it's also his fault. It's a lot easier to comment than it is to say. I cannot expect young or injured players to be on the top of their game with a simple "click." I also have players who I simply have a lot of trouble resting because of how important they are to me and the team".

"Adebayor saw his dream come true. He scored the first ball he touched at home, and it wasn't easy. It's good for him and his confidence. It's fantastic for the confidence of any footballer who scores in his first match in the Bernabeu".

"Benzema played a great match. He moved well, he lost his markers, he passed well... Cristiano, once again, worked for the team. He is the player he is. He didn't score, but he worked hard for his teammates and he will be right there again come Sunday. We have two very good forwards, and we hope that we get Higuain back for the end of the season. We also want Morata here starting on day one next season. He is doing what he needs to be doing with Castilla".

Mourinho complained about the date of the final, 20 April: "It's a strange time, because if Barcelona and Real are in Champions, will be busy when others European teams will think only in the quarterfinals of the Champions. But it is better to be in the Cup final than not to be".

And he ended valuing Pandiani attack against Cristiano Ronaldo: "He had his minutes of fame and should pay for that advertising. He's smart and has not done, but is expensive. Cristiano knows what happened to him and should continue".

Link

Spanish Cup: Semifinals (2nd Leg)

REAL MADRID 2 - SEVILLA 0

Mourinho arrived at Real Madrid seven months ago to put the team back where it belongs. Tonight, he led his men to victory and placed the team in the Copa del Rey final, where it will face eternal foe Barcelona.

Adebayor and Özil celebrate second goal 

Real Madrid has come to a Cup final seven years later, but the title is still looking away. By rival waiting in the final by the distrust generated by team, so hungry for titles like football. Latest Mourinho team appearances have raised doubts, as well as the game now also has not been the air, that imposing physique that helped him topple rivals not so long ago. Team is depleted and to manage in this situation will require all the talent to be able to offer his coach and the players. The 2-0 did not reflect the true distance that existed between the Real Madrid and Sevilla which did not deserve much punishment at the Bernabeu. But because the goals do not deserve, become, it might say that Madrid won to be in the final. Özil and Adebayor Invited this time.

Real Madrid also has something good; does not need to play well to win or to qualify, as in this case. It was expected Sevilla would take risks to come back from the 1-0 score from the first leg, but they didn't. Manzano's men waited for Real Madrid in defence, hoping to surprise them with counterattacks. At the Bernabeu Sevilla was better, a team that left the tournament with astrange feeling, the impression it could have done more and the doubt about Negredo's goal (min.11) disallowed for an offside more than questionable. Beat Casillas after an excellent pass from Zokora.

Mourinho's boys looked to score from the very start and had a clear chance through Benzema on the 4-minute mark, but the Frenchman's shot (following a Di Maria attempt that hit one of the posts) was off target. Cristiano Ronaldo desperately tried to net a strike, but Javi Varas cleared his shot in the 33rd minute.

The second half was consumed in the usual calm nervous at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid dominated the bout and Sevilla was controlling the match, which continued pouring in fault Navas and Cáceres the only two pieces out of place in the table. That was until the last 20 minutes when Manzano took his team to step forward and gave the space that had refused to Madrid. The visiting goalkeeper had to use his feet to clear a shot from Di Maria on the 68-minute mark. Several minutes later, Khedira served a sensational pass to Ozil, who controlled the ball, entered the box, dribbled past Varas and gently placed the ball inside the goal (81').

Adebayor sealed the match with a fantastic strike on his Bernabeu debut. The Togolese player took the pitch in the final minutes of the game and scored, the 5000 goal of Madrid at home, in injury time by finishinjg off a great cross from Lass. Real Madrid and all Madridismo now prepare to face Barcelona in the 20 April final.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 63,000
Goals: 1-0, m.81: Özil. 2-0, m.92: Adebayor.

Preview: Real Madrid vs Sevilla

Three months since kicking off their Spanish Cup run, Real Madrid are only one step away from the coveted final. There is no margin for error for either side during the ninety minutes that remain.

Despite their lackluster 0-0 draw against Real Murcia to open the competition, it was evident the Whites wanted this competition… And badly. The same can be said for Jose Mourinho. “I won the Cup in Portugal, England and Italy and now I want to win it in Spain” declared the Madridista boss.

Over the last few months, Real Madrid have left Murcia, Levante and Atletico by the wayside and they are close to doing the same with Sevilla. Heading into Wednesday’s match with a 0-1 advantage produced at the Sanchez Pizjuan, things bode well for Real, who have always gone on to win Copa ties after leading the first leg by said score line.

With Marcelo fully recovered from the flu, Mourinho will have every healthy player available to play. Only Pepe and Higuain remain injured and out of action. Jose Mourinho left out of the squad for the Cup match against Sevilla, Fernando Gago and Pedro León for fighting after a workout. It happened during the training session on Monday.

The current Cup champions are forced to play until the last gasp. They understand how difficult it will be to turn around a 0-1 deficit, especially in a stadium that hasn’t allowed any team to leave with points in tow all season.

Gregorio Manzano has brought his entire squad to the Spanish capital, including newcomers Medel and Rakitic. Only the injured Guarente, Dragoutinovic and Kone remained behind, while Palop must watch from the stands while serving a one-match suspension.

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Cup Semifinals (1st Leg): Albiol, Ramos & Carvalho reactions

RAUL ALBIOL: “I REALLY THINK BALL DIDN'T GO IN”

The ‘ghost goal’ key player explained from his point of view the move: "The goal clearance was a very fast play. I threw myself on the ground and saw the ball on the goal-line. I don't believe it went in. It all happened very fast, which leaves room for doubt, but I really think it didn't go in".

About the game and the chances of reaching the final: "I am happy with the victory. We've taken an important step, but we still have to play another 90 minutes and Sevilla are a complicated opponent. We enjoyed ourselves tonight. We think about the possibility of reaching the final".

Raúl Albiol

SERGIO RAMOS: “WE EARNED A VERY IMPORTANT VICTORY” 

Sergio Ramos was very angry with the non-sporting incidents that happened during the match: “If something was wrong at the match, it was the hit to Casillas with a bottle. I'm happy for people who have tried to stop the insults against me. Those are acts that litter the game. It is not the first time this happens, we hope will be the last”.

The White defense was very pleased with the match made by Real Madrid and the result so beneficial: "We earned a very important victory in a complicated match. We concentrated hard and controlled the game. Sevilla tried to set their own pace to the clash but we managed to make them feel uncomfortable". "We earned a good result, but the tie hasn't been decided yet. We have yet to play the return leg at the Bernabeu and we will have to watch out for Sevilla because they can complicate things for us".

About Karim Benzema: "Benzema's goal wasn't a great surprise to us because we all know he is a great player. He has great quality and we hope he continues to score goals to help the team win more games".

RICARDO CARVALHO: "WE WANT TO PLAY THE FINAL”

The veteran Portuguese defender said that Real Madrid made a big away game, which is very important in two-legged ties: "We played well and we won. That's what matters, especially away from home". "We want to play the final, but we have to wait for that. There is still one game left for us to play at our stadium. That's where we'll have to seal our pass".

About the ‘ghost goal’: "It all happened very fast and I don't actually know if the ball went in or not. If I was pressed to choose, I'd say it didn't completely go over the line".

Cup Semifinals (1st Leg): Iker Casillas reactions

The match ended in the Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium with a bottle throw to Iker Casillas who was shot after a bottle brushed his head before. The goalkeeper of Real Madrid ended up lying on the pitch, but eventually recovered.

A ball boy took the bottle and ran to hide, with the complaints of the components of the bench at Real Madrid. Goalkeeper said after the match: "A vandal who is always here threw me a bottle. I think this does not detract from a splendid crowd which comes always to help Sevilla as much as possible. He was a stupid who can create a problem to the good fans" said Casillas.

"I'm not saying anything, but if the TV cameras have captured it, will be taken legal actions" said the Real Madrid player who received two shots. The first did not hit him, but the second fell on his head.

About the match, Casillas preferred to appear cautious despite victory: "The tie is not decided. It is an optimal result because we have not conceded a goal and scored one. We should not relax because Sevilla is very good and has important players" he added.

Finally, the Real Madrid captain referred to the 'ghost goal' by Luis Fabiano which was not granted by the referee at the end of the first part: "The ball almost enters, but not entered. If it has not entered, it is clear" Casillas concluded.

Cup Semifinals (1st Leg): Cristiano Ronaldo reactions

CRISTIANO RONALDO: "FACE PAINTING MOTIVATES US A LOT"

Cristiano Ronaldo

How was the match?

We knew it would be complicated, but the team has been good and we scored a goal. Now we play at home and have a good lead, but not definitive.

Was a nice game?
There have been many fouls, long stopped. I am sure the fans did not like the match. I do not like it, was ugly. The arbitration was good.

What about the video that Sevilla made in Portuguese language?
Very good, it motivated us a lot.

Have you seen the bottles throw at Casillas?
I have not seen that. Has he been assaulted? Well I think it is wrong. It's a shame.

Is the tie was resolved with the 0-1?
We could score more than one goal, I could do it, but a 0-1 result is fine too. They should continue to face painting things because it motivates us a lot.

What about Adebayor?
I like, I think he is a very good player.

It seems more likely that the final will be Real Madrid-Barça. Do you have desire for revenge?
Certainly, it is going to be Real Madrid-Barcelona. We will win at home and go to the final. The two best teams in Spain have to be in the final. We're not going to want revenge, it will be nice.

Spanish Cup: Semifinals (1st Leg)

SEVILLA 0 - REAL MADRID 1

The match filled a video library; from the paintings of war with the stimulating effect on the eve to the launch of bottles against Casillas at the end, the fabulous play of the goal from Benzema and the most controversy action, the ‘ghost goal’ of Luis Fabiano. But the final assembly portrayed that Real Madrid was better, with more football and poise, and Sevilla drew little benefit from its warrior burning.

Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 0-1

Mourinho lined up Lass instead of Di Maria to level his team's chances against Sevilla's physical strength in midfield. Real Madrid kept Zokora and Romaric in check, and smothered Kanoute. Sevilla had the initiative at the start, but the Madridistas soon pulled rank and started to control the game.

And on 17 minutes appeared Benzema who knows no winter or summer. Play with the same emotion, little, in Ecuador and at the North Pole. And that frozen blood helps him in games like yesterday, in which the public really softens the mood of all but not his. His goal came out of nowhere, a single one-two with Özil in the right wing. The Frenchman raced, eliminated Alexis with a braking, and dribbled Escudé to finish with a left shot. That wonder signed with Adebayor resting at a hotel in Madrid unhooked Sevilla fans, the beginning of the end.

Sevilla started to feel the pressure of losing the match and played a hasty game. Mourinho's men showcased impeccable tactical discipline and hardly suffered in defense. The two midfielders band of Sevilla, Navas and Perotti, did not appear. The first is a world away from his best version. Arbeloa took two plays to take the measure and let him in nothing. Argentina's player never surpassed Sergio Ramos, unbeatable yesterday as lateral. Ramos felt at home. Luis Fabiano entered and left the match and Kanoute was rarely there.

Then, when Real Madrid was trying to sleep the match, during injury time, Luis Fabiano defeated Casillas and shot on target, but the ball was cleared in extremis by Albiol just on the goal-line (46'). The referee decided not to allow the strike despite Sevillas' protests. Truth be told, analyzing the shot from every angle does not help to clear if the ball went in or not.

Thanks to the ‘ghost goal’ Sevilla reminded the previous stimulus and the game had more spines and fewer solutions. They hit more than it suited them and a Real Madrid wiser used the open spaces left by the locals, especially since the entry of Di Maria and Marcelo, for lethal counterattacks through Carvalho (from a header) and Cristiano Ronaldo. The latter defeated Palop in a one-on-one, but the ball stayed behind him as he moved forward. Then, Özil was a little too confident as he tried to kick it into the goal because Alexis had enough time to clear his shot practically on the goal-line (79').

Sadly, as soon as the match ended, someone from the crowd threw a plastic bottle on the pitch and hit Casillas. The goalkeeper fell on the ground and had to be attended. Fortunately, nothing serious happened, but this should not go unpunished. It was a disgraceful end to a good match.

Summary

Stadium: Sánchez Pizjuán
Attendance: 40,000
Goals: 0-1, M.17: Benzema.