Real Madrid Vs. Barcelona 2011, Copa Del Rey Final: Real Madrid Win Copa Del Rey 1-0 After Extra Time

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Headers don’t get a whole lot better than that. Jose Manuel Pinto is Barcelona’s backup goalkeeper, but I don’t think that Victor Valdes would have had any chance of saving that one either. Both the cross and the header were perfectly executed, and Real came away with a deserved 1-0 victory.

Of course, this game is just the second in a series of four Clasicos, in which Real Madrid now has the upper hand, after drawing their league match and winning tonight in a neutral site Cup final at the Mestalla.

Angel Di Maria provided the assist, and it’s tough to decide what was better, the delivery or the finish. Di Maria played a great swinging cross from the left flank, curling right towards the head of Cristiano Ronaldo, who set up just to the right of the penalty spot. The ball came right to him and he hit an absolutely stunning header into the back of the net, giving Jose Manuel Pinto absolutely no chance to make a stop.

Sid Lowe should announce everything.

I don’t mean everything major. I mean everything. Matches on at the same time? Probably no problem for good old Sid - he’s talking fast enough that I have no doubt he could do both at the same time. And it doesn’t have to be limited to sports, either. I want Lowe to be talking me through brushing my teeth and making coffee in the morning. Grocery shopping? Walking down the street? He’d made them sound like the giddiest of adventures. I need more excitement in my life. I need more Sid Lowe.

No one’s going to argue with a great game winner (except the fans of the losing side), but this one just feels like a match destined for penalties.

In the 66th minute Messi with his first great chance just outside the box. A nice touch from Xavi set him up, but his shot is high and over the crossbar.

Messi made a tremendous run and sprung Pedro on the left side. Pedro buried his shot past Casillas, but before the Catalans could celebrate, the linesman had his flag up, ruling the play offsides. Replay showed it was very close, but it looked to be the right call.

The game is really opening up at the hour mark. Madrid has lost their grip on the match and it’s been all Barcelona so far in the second half. Barca haven’t threatened goal yet,

Messi is booked in the 64th minute for preventing Xabi Alonso from taking a free kick. Not the smartest play from the Argentinian. The subsequent attack sees Alonso send a rocket from 25-yards out that goes wide of the goal, great chance for the Madrid midfielder.

Guardiola has to pleased with his team’s play in the first 10 minutes of the second half.