Madrid, Spain (SportsNetwork.com) - Real Madrid secured the Copa del Rey title on Wednesday, edging rival Barcelona in a 2-1 home win at the Bernabeu.
The Galacticos, who were without star player Cristiano Ronaldo due to the Portugal international's leg injury, were in front after 11 minutes when Angel Di Maria fired a shot past Pepe Pinto at the far post. The Barcelona 'keeper, who was screened by his own man on the effort, got his hand to the ball but was unable to keep it out of the net.
The Catalans leveled the score in the 68th minute when Marc Bartra nodded home a corner kick, but the hosts ultimately claimed the trophy on the back of a brilliant solo effort from Gareth Bale five minutes from time.
The Welshman collected possession inside his own half and beat Bartra for pace along the left flank before drifting into the penalty area and slipping a shot between Pinto's legs.
It proved to be all Madrid would need to collect its 19th Copa del Rey title and its first since 2011.
Barcelona, meanwhile, could be facing a rare season without silverware. The Catalans were ousted from the Champions League last week and enter the weekend's La Liga slate four points back of first-place Atletico Madrid with five matches to play.
[SportsNetwork.com]
