The Atlético Madrid “Juvenil A” team (U-19) earned the club´s fourth Copa del Rey trophy in club history, 58 years after the previous, after beating Real Madrid 3-4 in extra time on a typically sunny Sunday afternoon in Palma.
The “Colchoneros” had not lifted the Cup since 1958, in Alicante, and this time, they did so by coming back from a 3-1 deficit against a Real Madrid team who lost its third consecutive final.
The 3-4 scoreline accurately represented the winning team, directed by Óscar Fernández, who went ahead in the sixth minute of extra time on Colombian Andrés Solano´s golazo.
Initially, Real Madrid appeared to have the inside track on hoisting the Copa del Rey after the first 45 minutes. Following Atlético´s first goal from Zaka (min. 13), Real Madrid answered with three of their own: with a goal from Garci (min. 18) and two goals from Mario (min 20, 26).
But, the “Colchoneros” reaction was nothing short of spectacular, especially in the face of a talented Real Madrid squad, coached by ex-Argentine player Santiago Solari, who had begun convincingly on the imperfect turf at the Antonio Asensio complex.
In the second half, the game changed radically when Atlético Madrid jumped onto the field with more intensity and forced the opponent into retreat.
Even so, Real Madrid tried to increase their lead, which brought about a very open game with many goal-scoring chances, only to be foiled by heroic goalkeeping from Luca Zidane (Real Madrid) and San Román (Atlético Madrid).
Yet, Toni Moya signed on with two goals (mins. 51 and 81) to force extra time and give way to the Andrés Solano wonder-strike that put the icing on the cake for the “Colchoneros.”
Lineups:
3-Real Madrid: Luca Zidane; Achraf, Manu, Alex, Dani Fernández; Jaume, Garci (Abarte, min. 115), Seoane (Martín, min. 75), Óscar (Fran, min. 88); Fidalgo (Dani Gómez, min. 56), and Mario.
4-Atlético de Madrid: San Román; Solano, Montoro, Alberto, Theo; Juan (Perea, min. 115), Keidi, Toni Moya (Rentero, min. 82), Caio (Rubén, min. 70); Salo, and Zaka (Heras, min. 82).
Goals: 0-1, min. 13: Zaka (AtlM); 1-1, min. 18: Garci (RM); 2-1, min. 20: Mario (RM); 3-1, min. 26, Mario (RM, Penalty Kick); 3-2, min. 51: Toni Moya (AtlM); 3-3, min. 81: Toni Moya (AtlM); 3-4, min. 96: Solano (AtlM).
Referees: Guillermo Cuadra (on behalf of a Balearic Island Comittee). Yellow Card cautions to Zaka, Heras, and Alberto of Atlético de Madrid.
Attendance: The U-19 teams of Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid played the Copa del Rey final on the field at RCD Mallorca´s Antonio Asensio Sports Complex, before some 800 spectators. The Madrid Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueño, and RCDM CEO Maheta Molango watched the game. EFE
