Real Madrid CF were proclaimed Copa del Rey winners for the 18th time after Cristiano Ronaldo's extra-time header settled a tight final against FC Barcelona at Mestalla.
Following a goalless yet intriguing 90 minutes, José Mourinho's side had enough energy to produce the game's defining moment in the opening period of extra time. Ronaldo rose above Adriano to power in Ángel Di María's excellent cross following an exchange of passes with Marcelo on the left.
Prior to that, the closest either team had come arrived when Pepe directed a header against the inside of José Pinto's upright on 43 minutes. Barça − winners of the competition on 25 occasions − enjoyed their best period after the restart, when they were thwarted three times in quick succession by Iker Casillas. The Spain captain denied Lionel Messi, Pedro Rodríguez and, finally, Andrés Iniesta with a spectacular tip around the post.
At the other end, Pinto's save from Di María's goal-bound shot sent the showpiece into extra time, where the Argentina winger was sent off for a second booking late on. The dismissal mattered little for Madrid held on to win the trophy for the first time since 1993.
