Madrid edge past Osasuna for 20th Copa del Rey title

Both sides could not have arrived at the final with more different histories in the competition - Real Madrid were going for their 20th title while Osasuna would be trying to get their name engraved onto the trophy for the first time. The Madrid side had also experienced the final of this specific tournament on 39 occasions before, paling the side from Pamplona's once into insignificance.

- Frantic start -

Any gulf in experience in this type of fixture was soon plain to be seen, with Ancelotti's men racing into a lightening-fast lead inside the first three minutes. Brazilian forward Vinicius deserves most of the credit, weaving his way into the box to shake off his marker before simply threading it back across goal, where compatriot Rodrygo was patiently waiting to fire home emphatically.

After a dramatic start, both sides settled down, finding some rhythm, ultimately proving crucial for Osasuna, who managed to create some half-chances themselves. After warming-up into the affair, the side from Navarra saw a shot scooped off the line from Carvajal after the chipped shot had Courtois beat. This slight scare didn't have the Copa experts Madrid worried, however, who soon went perilously close themselves - Benzema forced a superb save before Alaba rocked a long-range free-kick off the bar.

The energy in such a frenetic start then switched from on-goal opportunities to more direct combat between the players. The referee was forced to resort to his pocket to calm the tension on several occasions, booking two men apiece. Perhaps most unsuprisingly was the yellow for Vinicius, who is known for being easily wound up by opposing sides. This was proven once the Brazilian was in the tunnel, squaring up to Osasuna'a Avila.

- Copa dream back on -

After what seemed like a long 15 minute break, both sides were ready to go to battle once more, and both sets of players opted for an ostensibly slower pace than the first-half ended. However, the first laugh of the second period soon fell to Osasuna, with Lucas Torro firing into Courtois' bottom corner off a stunning first-time strike to send the almost-1000km trip more worthwhile for the fans from Pamplona.

Any restoration of hopes Osasuna had of taking the cup back to the north were soon wiped off, as Brazilian star Rodrygo unlocked a brace for himself. The Madrid man found himself free at the back stick where he was perfectly positioned to mop up the seconds off a prior shot, firing into the net from point-blank range.

The side who still have a daunting Champions League semi-final against Manchester City to go were the ones who got the game by the scruff of its neck after the third of the tie, pushing for their third of the evening. Jagoba Arrasate's men were not going to give up that easily, and did manage to replicate the gritting performance they demonstrated at Barcelona last week, even going close on Courtois' goal.

Ancelotti managed to steady the ship for the final quarter of an hour, allowing the side from the Spanish capital to claim their 20th edition of the domestic trophy after 40 finals. Not to be for the inexperienced Osasuna, as the cup-experts show comback to claim an ever-so important win ahead of the crunch Champions League tie with Manchester City.

 

May 6, 2023