2-3: The Spanish Cup Curse remains with the Whites



It was a most intense and tense game; filled with nerves rather than smooth playing, which resulted in Madrid's letting the Cup go once again. Zaragoza will take the Trophy home after it managed to imposed the pace and style most suitable for what they needed. Real Madrid got ahead first, but then, like last Saturday's game, it failed to keep good care of this lead, as it was already losing by 1-2 by halftime. Roberto Carlos scored the equaliser right after the break, which was like a boost to the white hope. The fight only died out in the extra time when Galletti scored. Two finals lost in three years, the Spanish Cups remains a most significant challenge for Real Madrid, which will certainly keep on trying. Not this year, though. Congratulations to Zaragoza.

THE MATCH:
2 - REAL MADRID: César; Salgado, Helguera, Raúl Bravo, Roberto Carlos; Beckham, Guti; Figo, Zidane, Solari (Portillo 82´); and Raúl.
3 - REAL ZARAGOZA: Láinez; Cuartero, Álvaro, Milito, Toledo; Cani, Ponzio (Generelo 69´), Movilla, Savio (Juanele 96´); Dani (Galletti 60´) and Villa.
GOALS:
1-0, min.24: Beckham, free kick.
1-1, min.29: Savio aims a centre shot at the far post and Dani kicks into the net.
1-2, min.44: Villa, penalty committed on himself.
2-2, min.47: Roberto Carlos, free kick.
2-3, min.111: Galletti from thirty metres off.
REFEREE: Carmona Méndez (Extremadura Referees Association). Salgado, Milito, Álvaro, Guti, Figo, Villa, Galletti, Víctor Muñoz, Solari and Raúl Bravo were cautioned. Cani and Guti got two yellow cards each.
OTHER FACTS: 101th Spanish Cup Final, Montjuïc Lluis Companys Stadium. 54,000 spectators. His Majesty King Juan Carlos was present at the royal box. A one minute's silence was observed in memory of the victims of March 11th.