adminReal Madrid brought high-flying city rivals Atletico back down to earth with a bump when two own goals either side of a Jese strike helped them to a 3-0 victory in a feisty Copa Del Rey semi-final, first leg. Atletico climbed to the top of La Liga at the weekend but their first defeat in 25 matches in all competitions since October brought Diego Simeone’s side down to earth with a bump. “We tried but we just couldn’t find a way tonight,” Simeone said. “They had the good fortune to open the scoring with a shot that was going out of play and that helped them settle.
“The players are feeling as you would expect after a 3-0 defeat. They are down because they are lads who want to win and when they don’t they are not happy.”
After a cautious opening from both sides, Atletico playmaker Arda Turan had the first genuine chance when he tested Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas with a header in the 13th minute.
Real were ahead four minutes later when centre back Pepe galloped forward and his speculative shot hit Emiliano Insua, wrong footed Atletico keeper Thibaut Courtois and ricocheted into the net.
Atletico defender Diego Godin headed over the bar when well placed early in the second half but Real doubled their lead just before the hour when a superb Angel Di Maria pass released Jese and he poked the ball past Courtois.
Luka Modric cleared another Godin header off the line in the 72nd minute and Real landed a stunning blow a minute later with another deflected effort.
Di Maria let fly from distance and the ball struck Atletico defender Miranda before spinning past the helpless Courtois.
Last year’s final, which was held at the Bernabeu, was marred by red cards and brawling and the bad blood between the bitter rivals was still in evidence in a match littered with cynical fouls and gamesmanship.
Barcelona beat Real Sociedad 2-0 in Wednesday’s other semi-final, first leg. – Eurosport.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu