We’re tied 1-1 at halftime in the Copa del Rey final after Atletico Madrid and Diego score late to answer Cristiano Ronaldo’s early strike.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid: Halftime score 1-1, All even at the Bernabeú
Cristiano Ronaldo put Real Madrid up early but Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa combined to tie things up ten minutes before halftime.
Madrid's aggressive early play in the opening minutes was directly responsible for Los Merengues taking the lead in the 14th minute. A turnover in the midfield on a sloppy pass allowed Karim Benzema to break into the Atletico area and earn a corner out of virtually nothing.
Cristiano Ronaldo did the damage off the corner, launching himself in the air over Diego Godín who's feet appeared stuck to the ground. Ronaldo's all but patented powerful header curled to the left past Thibault Courtois, giving Madrid a 1-0 lead.
Atletico really didn't appear to have any answer or ideas as the half dragged on. Gabi created a decent chance just a couple minutes after the goal, but it had more to do with what Michael Essien and Raul Albiol did wrong than anything Atleti did right. Gabi was given far too much space within range and he uncorked a shot that sailed a bit over the bar. Diego Costa earned a dangerous free kick a few minutes later but the opportunity was wasted.
Just when it appeared that Madrid were settling in and controlling the match, Atletico struck thanks to their dynamic attacking duo of Diego Costa and Radamel Falcao.
In the 35th minute Falcao fought off Raúl Albiol as he took control of the ball and spun around towards the Madrid end. Somehow in between the tackles Falcao spotted Diego Costa making a diagonal run from left to right towards the Madrid goal. Falcao’s pass was perfect and Costa’s run got Diego Lopez leaning towards the right as the striker sent a shot back across his body to the right that Lopez could only get a fingertip as it rolled into the back of the net.
Mesut Ôzil came within inches of putting Madrid back in front in the final minutes of the half beating Courtois with a header that hit off the post.
After a fairly dull opening 35 minutes, the final ten minutes had a nice energy to it. With 45 minutes left and everything to play for, the second half should be fun.
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