After 102 minutes of physical play, tremendous goalkeeping and numerous chances both ways, Cristiano Ronaldo had the final say.
Ronaldo headed home an Angel di Maria cross at the end of the first period of extra time to lift Real Madrid to a 1-0, extra-time victory over Barcelona in a tense, thrilling final of the Copa del Rey. Marcelo sprung di Maria down the left before Ronaldo powered in his header from the center of the box.
Real Madrid held on for the final 18 minutes of extra time to earn the victory. Madrid captured its 18th crown and its first since 1993 and takes the psychological edge heading into next week's UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
While Barcelona all but captured the Spanish Primera Division league title with its 1-1 draw with Madrid in league play four days ago, Jose Mourinho's men captured the winners' silverware on Wednesday. The Spanish rivals face each other two more times in the next two weeks, with the April 27 and May 3 semifinal legs of the Champions League being the most important of their five meetings this season.
Video of the game-winning goal is after the jump:
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What did you think of the match? Do you think Madrid has the momentum heading into their Champions League semifinal, or do you see Barcelona advancing to the final?
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