Real Madrid clinch Copa del Rey title before Champions League semis

Real Madrid secured their 20th Copa del Rey title with a 2-1 victory over Osasuna in Seville on Saturday. 

Rodrygo Goes was the hero for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, scoring twice to end their nine-year wait for the trophy. Madrid had a dream start with Rodrygo scoring just two minutes into the game. Osasuna fought back and levelled the score through Lucas Torro in the 58th minute, but Rodrygo had the last word, firing home the winner after a rebound fell his way.

Vinicius Junior was a constant thorn in Osasuna's side, causing problems down the left. His cut-back led to Rodrygo’s first goal, and he won a penalty shout in the first half, although the referee waved play on. 

The Brazilian winger was also booked for dissent just before halftime and exchanged words with Osasuna substitute Chimy Avila as they walked off the pitch.

Osasuna, who have never won a major trophy, fought hard throughout the game and came agonisingly close to equalising when on-loan Barcelona winger Ez Abde lofted the ball over Thibaut Courtois, but Dani Carvajal cleared it off the line. The Pamplona-based club was hoping to win their first title since 1987, but it was not to be.

The win was a significant one for Madrid, who are also in the semi-finals of the Champions League and face Manchester City on Tuesday. Rodrygo was ecstatic with his performance, saying that he was thrilled to have completed his set of trophies at just 22 years old. 

Ancelotti praised the young Brazilian's performance, saying that he has a bright future ahead of him.

The Spanish Cup is Madrid's first piece of silverware in Ancelotti's second spell as manager of the club. He had previously led the team to a Champions League title in 2014. Madrid dominated the first half, but Osasuna came out fighting in the second and showed that they were not going to be pushovers. 

In the end, however, it was Madrid who came out on top, lifting the trophy for the 20th time in their history.