Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo Takes 'Great Joy' In Scoring Winning Goal In Copa Del Rey Final To Defeat Barcelona

21-Apr-2011 4:00:00 AM

Portugal international is over the moon to have won his first major trophy with the Spanish giants and is glad to have scored the winner in the final

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is overjoyed with his winning goal against Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening.

The Portugal international headed home an Angel Di Maria cross from the left wing in extra-time to win the match 1-0 at the Mestalla.

It is Madrid’s first Spanish Cup triumph since 1993 and their first major piece of silverware since 2008, and Ronaldo is delighted to have helped the cause.

“It is a great joy to have won and more so that I scored the goal to win the Copa [del Rey],” enthused Ronaldo to reporters after the match. “We had gone many years without winning the Cup and we are very happy.

“This is an important trophy and we are enjoying it.”

Ronaldo further praised his compatriot Jose Mourinho, who has won his first major competition as coach of Madrid in his maiden season in Spain.

“Mourinho has made a very positive impact,” said the 26-year-old. “He has helped us a lot and injected us with positive energy, which shows [on the pitch].

"Barcelona played a very good game, but this is the way it goes. The one who scores, wins."

Ronaldo will have another chance to put one over on Barcelona as the nine-time European champions take on their arch-rivals for a place in the Champions League final. The first-leg of their semi-final tie takes place at the Bernabeu next week.

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