Atletico triumph in bad tempered Madrid derby to win first Copa del Rey since 1996

Atletico Madrid secured their first win over their bitter cross city rivals Real Madrid last night with a 2-1 win in extra time. It was the first time in FOURTEEN years that Atletico had managed the feat, but this victory will live long in the memory of the Atletico fans.

Real Madrid had home advantage, the Copa del Rey was their last chance of securing silverware this season, and most importantly, the last 8 derbies had gone in favour of Mourinho's men. It was clear to see Atletico were the underdogs going in to the game, although their ranks boasted a wealth of big names, including the Colombian hitman Radamel Falcao.

Before the game an echo of boos spread round the Bernebeu aimed at Real boss Jose Mourinho, in what could possibly be one of his last games at the helm. Most of these boos erupted from the end that housed the sea of red and white clad Atletico fans, but many came from his own, once adoring, fans. It was no surprise the Special One was reluctant to leave the dugout, often caught on camera sporting an emotionless facial expression which will no doubt enrage Real fans even further.

Few could believe Mourinho had opted to start without the returning Iker Casillas in goal, and the normally solid albeit hot-headed Pepe in defence. Despite the setbacks Real took a big step in the right direction as Mesut Ozil's whipped corner was met by Cristiano Ronaldo, sending a powerful header beyond the reach of Thibaut Courtois.

Atletico equalised in the 35th minute after Falcao's fancy footwork proved too much for Raul Albiol, who couldn't stop the Colombian playing a perfectly weighted through ball to strike partner Diego Costa. Costa's low drive beat the outstretched arm of Diego Lopez in the Real goal. So, the blame for the equaliser laid at the controversial replacements for Casillas and Pepe, who maybe could have averted it, if they were playing.

Tempers flare

Jose Mourinho made a rare appearance in the technical area after a decision went against him, and after a war of words, soon left again after being dismissed. Real Madrid's night of shame continued with a straight red for goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo, who seem to fling his boot at the face of Gabi, whose amateur dramatics were second to none on the night. In the wake of the red card both benches erupted, resulting in some unsavoury scenes on the touchline, with clear punches being thrown. At the other end, Atletico keeper Courtois was pelted with lighters and coins by the Real fans, with one striking the Belgian in the back of the head.


Cristiano Ronaldo is dismissed for an intentional high boot.

As the match went into extra time, Atletico held the advantage. Manager Diego Simeone was able to talk to his team, but Jose Mourinho was somewhere in the depths of the Bernabeu, unable to pass anything on to his players. Atletico took a well deserved lead in the eighth minute of extra time, Miranda reaching the ball before the stranded Diego Lopez.

Real could not find a way back into the game, even after Atletico lost their one man advantage after Gabi received his marching orders.

It has been a crazy 18 months for the red side of Madrid which has seen the club win the 2012 Europa League, the European Supercup which saw them demolish Champions League winners Chelsea. To top it all off, the club has won the Copa del Rey, its first since 1996, against their bitter rivals on their own turf.

Mourinho's worst season

A dejected Jose Mourinho has branded this season, which has seen him finish trophyless for the first time in management, as the worst of his distinguished career. Real have finished second best to Catalan giants Barcelona in La Liga, missed out on a Champions League final with a defeat to Borrussia Dortmund, and have now finished runners up to Madrid rivals Atletico in the Copa del Rey.


Atletico Madrid players and coaching staff celebrate victory.