Real Madrid: Ranking the 5 best games of Carlo Ancelotti’s first term
3. Copa Del Rey final 2013/14: 2-1 win vs Barcelona
A Copa Del Rey finale against Real Madrid’s eternal rivals FC Barcelona in front of a fired-up audience in the Estadio Benito Villamarin. Sounds so exciting right? Real Madrid was in the race for three competitions at that point in time, which meant they still had a shot at a treble. They didn’t take this final lightly, as it was Carlo Ancelotti’s chance to win his first silverware with Real Madrid.
But unfortunately, Ancelotti didn’t have his key player available for the big night, as Cristiano Ronaldo was out with a knee injury. It was a big blow for sure, and it gave Barcelona an upper hand with them being labeled as the favourites in the buildup. Bur Real Madrid had other ideas, as they went on to put in an excellent effort that night.
Bale started from the left in place of Cristiano, as Di Maria played from the right with Isco being the attacking midfielder. Real Madrid’s plans were clear. Be aggressive in defending and in the middle to win the ball, and be quick and direct in transition. That plan succeeded so well, as Angel Di Maria would go on to open the scoring in the 11th minute, following a brilliant piece of combination between the Argentine, Benzema, and Bale on the break.
Bale proved to be a menace for Barcelona that night, as he kept troubling them on the break with his pace and dangerous left foot. He would even score a goal, only to get it chalked out due to a foul on Pinto. Real couldn’t convert their chances, and Barcelona got a lifeline with Bartra’s goal with a header off a corner, that couldn’t be saved by Iker Casillas at a full stretch.
The game was tied at 1-1, players were looking tired, and the game entered the final five minutes. Barcelona kept playing with the ball in Real’s half, but the Whites were resilient in defence. It looked like the game might go onto extra time, as it happened in 2010/11, but Gareth Bale had other ideas as he went on to do something no one would imagine.
Coentrao looked to release Bale near the halfway line with a release pass, but Bartra came rushing to press Bale. The Welshman would poke the ball past Barca’s goalscorer, and Bartra tried to push Bale off the pitch in the ensuing foot race. But Bale wouldn’t give up, and he sprinted like a raging bull in the 86th minute of the game, humiliating Bartra in the process. He traveled into the six-yard box on all his own, running at light speed, and would toe-poke the ball past a helpless Pinto. Bale wins the game for Real Madrid, while Barcelona and particularly Bartra are left shell shocked by the Welshman’s athleticism and determination at that stage of the game.
It was game over for Barca, and the disappointment was visible in their eyes. Neymar hit the post in added time, with fortune favouring the brave. The full-time whistle would soon blow, and the celebrations followed next. Real Madrid would win their 19th Copa Del Rey final by defeating their arch-rivals in a wonderful game, and Carlo Ancelotti would win his first trophy at the club.