Real Madrid win first Copa del Rey since '14

SEVILLE, Spain 07 (AP): Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior completed their collection of club trophies for Real Madrid on Saturday after helping win the club its first Copa del Rey in nearly a decade.

Since winning its last Copa del Rey in 2014, the 14-time European Cup winner had won four Champions Leagues while falling short in the Spanish cup.

That changed on Saturday, when it defeated an Osasuna that was seeking its first major title in club history after also losing its only other Copa del Rey final in 2005. Madrid has 20 Copa del Rey titles, behind only Barcelona (31) and Athletic Bilbao (23).

"We had been talking all week about how it had been a long time since Real Madrid had won this title," Rodrygo said. "I really wanted to win this title since it was this that was the only (club) title I was missing."

Vinícius provided the playmaking and Rodrygo struck two goals in a 2-1 victory over a feisty Osasuna side that fell behind shortly after kickoff but was never out of the final.

While Karim Benzema had a subdued performance, his attack partners were decisive. The pair of 22-year-old Brazil forwards have now won all the titles possible at the club level, after adding the Spanish cup to their European Cup, Spanish league, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup titles.

Next up: defend the Champions League title that both were critical to winning last year for a record-extending 14th time.

Manchester City arrives to the Spanish capital on Tuesday to start their rematch of last year's Champions League semifinal won by Madrid.

"(Vinícius and Rodrygo) made the difference," Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "Vini caused them lots of problems in the first half, Rodrygo scored two goals. These two players decide games."

"Like all finals, it was suffering and then happiness. We are going to celebrate a little bit and then think about Tuesday."

Rodrygo was set up by Vinícius after two minutes at La Cartuja Stadium. Osasuna's Lucas Torró equalized in the 58th, but Rodrygo put Madrid back ahead for good in the 70th. Benzema celebrated his club record-matching 25th title with Madrid after he received the cup from Spain's King Felipe VI, who presided the game after he attended the coronation of King Charles III in London.

Rodrygo was key to Madrid's run to its record-extending 14th-European Cup last season. And against Osasuna he proved clutch in yet another big match, especially when cued by countryman Vinícius.