‘Celebrate a little bit, not too much’
Brazlian Rodrygo struck twice and compatriot Vinicius Junior was "difficult to defend" as Real Madrid beat Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday to win their 20th Copa del Rey title, ending a nine-year wait to lift the trophy again.
Osasuna, who have never won a major trophy, fought well but ultimately fell short against the reigning Spanish and European champions, who face Manchester City on Tuesday in the Champions League semifinals.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Osasuna head coach Jagoba Arrasate fired a word of caution towards City after match.
"It's very difficult to defend against (Vinicius) and on Tuesday I am sure City will suffer too," said Arrasate.
Madrid had an uncharacteristically disappointing run so far in the La Liga as they have virtually conceded the league title to FC Barcelona with five games left, trailing by 13 points against their eternal rivals.
However, Los Blancos remain a whole different beast when it comes to cup competitions.
Madrid had beaten both Atletico Madrid and then rivals Barcelona to reach the final and Ancelotti said it was time to "celebrate a little bit, not too much" ahead of the clash with City, who have peaked at the right time in becoming the frontrunners to seal another Premier League silverware under Pep Guardiola.
Veteran midfielder Toni Kroos and defender Dani Carvajal reflected the predominant winning mentality in the Madrid camp that resulted in them winning the Champions League a record 14 times, seven more than AC Milan -- the second on the list.
"At this stage, they [City] were the toughest opponents we could have got but we're confident. We're Madrid and we will try our best to win, as ever," said the German.
Carvajal said, "Our ambition remains intact, we can win another Champions League and we're going to go all out to do so."
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was "delighted" to have won the only trophy that eluded him in all whites.
"Winning this final gives us positive energy for what's to come… The Copa del Rey is important, even if the Champions League is the biggest competition a player can win."
Comments