The winner of the round will be decided at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid 2-0 Osasuna
December 16, 2007 -'Emotion' is the word that best describes the King's Cup. Despite the fact that the competition no longer has knock-out one-game rounds it is still thrilling for the teams that take part in it. Alicante and Real Madrid drew 1-1 with goals by Borja and Balboa. The winner of the round will be decided at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on 2 January 2008.
The beautiful thing about the King's Cup is that teams of all categories are pitted against each other as equals. Alicante and Real Madrid faced-off in an intense and vibrant match at the José Rico Pérez Stadium. The locals were bold and brave and the Whites grew more confident as the match unfolded.
Real Madrid had a very different line-up tonight. Dudek defended the goal, Salgado and Torres were full backs, Heinze and Metzelder played as centre backs, Guti and Gago formed the midfield, Robben and Drenthe were wingers, and Saviola and Higuaín played as strikers.
Brave Alicante
Real Madrid were slightly surprised with the locals' strong start. Alicante had the initiative, putting Dudek to the test several times -the keeper proved the Polish national team have a strong asset in him between the posts-. The match grew intense as minutes passed and Real Madrid started to stand their ground firmly, especially through Guti. The latter's passes were brilliant despite the forwards not scoring from them and he showed he is one of the players in better shape on the squad.
Both sides had one chance after another, making both keepers the stars of the clash, especially Dudek who did a spectacular save, jumping from one post to the other to stop Alicante from netting the opener.
Exciting second half
The Madridistas took the reins of the game in the last 45 minutes, with Guti playing the role of captain. Saviola had the best chance from a pass by the midfielder, but the ball grazed past the left post.
Alicante finally found their reward from their countless counterattacks when Drenthe tackled Borja inside the box; a penalty was awarded and converted by Borja himself.
Comeback
Alicante decided to break Real Madrid's plays in midfield in order to keep their advantage; Guti and Gago were marked too well by the locals and couldn't really create any danger. Saviola had another chance, but keeper Ricardo saved the ball. Even Heinze tried with a powerful shot, but it flew over the crossbar.
The Whites kept trying, showing they want to win this title too. Torres nearly netted a header from a free-kick by Guti, but it was Balboa who scored the equaliser in the last minute from a corner-kick served by Gago.
The winner of the round will be decided on 2 January at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
MATCH REPORT:
1 - Alicante C.F: Ricardo, David Malo, Catala, Tito, Álvaro (Luis Gil, 74’), Cañadas, Alan, Joan Tomas (Capi, 70’), German, Azkoitia & Borja (Héctor Bosque, 79’).
1 - Real Madrid: Dudek, Salgado, Metzelder, Heinze, Torres, Robben, Gago, Guti, Drenthe (Balboa, 67’), Higuaín (Soldado, 77’) & Saviola.
REFEREE: Rafael Ramírez Domínguez. Booked Guti (53’), Gago (78’), Álvaro (38’) and Capi (80’).
GOALS:
1-0, min.60: Borja, from a penalty.
1-1, min.90: Balboa.
NOTES: First leg of the Last 32 round in the King's Cup. Venue: José Rico Pérez Stadium. Attendance: 20,000.
Match report by Arancha Díaz
Photos by David R. Anchuelo
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
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