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A late solo goal from Gareth Bale secured Real Madrid the 2014 Copa del Rey title in a 2-1 win over Barcelona at the Mestalla.
Just one goal separated the two sides at the interval, with Angel di Maria’s low strike beating Jose Pinto.
Barcelona were level in the second period through Marc Bartra, but Bale’s late effort secured the trophy for Los Blancos.
Focus on Barca but important trophy for Ancelotti
The Spanish media will analyse Barcelona’s fall from grace, having thrown way three competitions within a week, but credit should instead go to Carlo Ancelotti. Looking back at the Italian’s previous honours reveals a coach who should be regarded as one of the elite in world football, and has arguably won his toughest trophy yet. Barca dominated possession, but rarely troubled Madrid and that was predominantly down to the way in which Ancelotti organised his side.
The Copa del Rey was perhaps equally as important for Real as it was for Barca – potentially each side’s only piece of silverware this season. Madrid managed to keep the pressure on Barcelona and win, meaning that Ancelotti’s job becomes easier, whilst making Tata Martino’s near-impossible to continue.
Agencies/Canadajournal
