Real Madrid capitalized on the brilliance of their Brazilian star Rodrigo to beat Osasuna 2-1 in Seville on Saturday to seal the Spanish Cup title.
Real Madrid took the early advantage after a breakthrough from Brazilian Vinicius, who sent a glorious pass to his compatriot Rodrigo, who deposited it into the net in the second minute.
The match remained evenly matched, with Real Madrid in the lead until the twenty-sixth minute, when Moroccan Abdel Samad Al-Salsouli singled out Belgian Courtois and sent the ball into the goal, only to be pushed away by Carvaj at the last minute.
Austrian Alaba responded with a powerful shot from a direct free kick that hit the crossbar (32), so the first half saw Real Madrid progress.
Real Madrid squandered several opportunities for reinforcements at the start of the second, punished by Lucas Toro, who equalized with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area (58).
And Rodrigo returned to impose himself as the star of the game by scoring the second goal for Real Madrid, following a through ball out of defense (70).
Although Osasuna adjusted early, Real Madrid never threatened the team’s goal, squandering many chances on the counter-attack, which saw Real Madrid clinch the title.
Real Madrid continued their advantage over Osasuna with a 19th consecutive unbeaten run in all competitions.
Real Madrid went on to win the cup title for the twentieth time in their history, and Osasuna’s misery continued in the championship, losing in the final for the second time in his career.
Real Madrid’s title coronation comes at a crucial time as they face host Manchester City on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
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