Perfection only lasts so long. That was the lesson Real Madrid and Barcelona learned from the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday. It took 105 minutes to see the perfection of a 0-0 score line to break, despite both team’s efforts to smash the ball past the goal line. Casillas, Pinto, and the post saw fit to keep the score line placid. Pedro managed to see the ball into the back of the net off Messi’s pass, but he also saw the linesmen’s flag. A grueling game where Mourinho once more saturated midfield with defensive stalwarts Khedira, Pepe, and Alonso blunted Barça‘s attacking prowess, which has been a little out of step since Villa and Pedro’s scoring turned from a sprint to a stroll moved past the allotted 90 minutes and on into extra time. The perfect pass from Di María was followed up by the perfect header from Ronaldo and perfect score line turned lopsided. Real Madrid 1, Barça 0. The balance would not be restored in the remaining extra time. Captain Iker Casillas would get to lift the first bit of silverware for the Madridistas in three years and the first Copa del Rey title he has seen in his long career in white.
Before Casillas could get a hand up from the King of Spain though, Barça had to gather their sapped strength to accept the accolade for being second best. In the initial shock Messi stood still in the crowd of down cast players whose bright garnet pullovers belied their blackened moods. While the others lifted their chins and lent each other their support, Messi remained motionless. Like a perfect statue, he stood near the side lines staring through the beleaguered Barça supporters and the raucous Real fanatics. Whether he was replaying missed opportunities over last 120 minutes or simply awash in disappointment cannot be said, but he was an immovable figure in a sea of vehement emotion. Casillas, the perfect sportsman, went around to the Barça players to give them a much deserved congratulations on a strong showing against a fearsome Madrid. Messi didn’t move. The Barça bench emptied out to lift the spirits of those who had battled long and hard. Milito whispered in Messi’s ear, still he did not move. At some point, someone must have pointed out that he still had to make the long walk up the stairs through a sea of fans from both sides to shake hands with the King and Queen. He made the trek along with the rest of the team to receive their medals. They didn’t remain around their necks for long. A second place medal is a harsh reminder of failure. There was a bit of confusion between Puyol and Guardiola as to who would lift the second place plate, which was short lived as Guardiola slid stealthily down the line to shake hands with the Royal family, sticking Puyol with the “honors”.
When Real Madrid went up, it was a different response. Each player clutched their small trophy with the glee born of adrenaline and elation. Casillas hopped up on to a railing with the help of the King, kissed the cup, and lofted it on high to share with all of the Madridistas around the world. The perfection of his balance had to be maintained into the small hours of the morning when he climbed the scaffolding to place a Madrid scarf around the statue of the Roman goddess Cybele in the Plaza de Cibeles. Such perfection of coordination could not be maintained by all of the Madrid players after a long game, plane ride home, and ride through town on top of the team bus at 4 AM. Too much excitement and not enough rest created a minor slip up for Sergio Ramos when he dropped the trophy when he tried to bring it down from on top his head as the team road through town. Unfortunately, for the long time Madridista and co-captain, he was standing at the front of the bus and trophy fell onto the street and was run over by the bus’ right front wheel. Emergency services gathered up the no longer perfect pieces. The dented silverware was then snatched by the bus driver and place alongside him rather than risk its return to the roof. I would pay quite a hefty fee to have seen Casillas’ reaction and probably even more to have gotten the Barça based Spanish national players’ uncensored thoughts when they discovered what their comrade had done.
Next Wednesday, both sides will have it all to pay for again, this time with the first of two Champions League semi-final games on the line. Mourinho will be without Khedira through injury but is likely to maintain his defensive midfield. Guardiola will have Puyol on offer and should return to a more normal looking back line despite the absence of the influential Adriano. Pep seems unlikely to change his tactics, so the perfection of his players’ execution of total football will be judged against the perfection of Mourinho’s men in their defensive mentality and counterattacking ingenuity.
Felicidades,
H.
Fanatical for Football 