A Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Real Madrid booked their place in the final of the Copa del Rey after defeating Atletico Madrid 2-0 at Vincente Calderon Stadium. Ronaldo's double, both from the penalty spot ensured Carlo Ancelotti's men progressed comfortably, 5-0 on aggregate.
The visitors started the brighter, with Gareth Bale coming close in the first five minutes. Xabi Alonso's near post costless kick was glanced towards the far post by the Welshman, but his effort was narrowly wide. However, it didnt take long for Real Madrid to get themsleves in front. Cristiano Ronaldo broke into the box and drew a foul from Atletico right back, Javier Manquillo. Ronaldo then stepped up himself to send his side 1-0 up on the night, 4-0 on aggregate.
Just a couple of minutes later, Ronaldo almost doubled his tally. The Portuguese out-jumped the Atletico back line and powered a header just wide of Daniel Aranzubia's goal. Unphased by the visitors early dominance, Atletico's makeshift striker, Raul Garcia, set himself 25 yards out and unleashed a shot that Real Madrid stopper Iker Casillas could only look cannon onto the post. From one end to another, this time it was Real's turn. Gareth Bale broke into the box and left back Emiliano Insua brought him down. A second penalty and in a carbon copy of the first, Ronaldo made it 2-0.
Atletico felt it was their turn to win a penalty. Cristian Rodriguez went down under an aerial challenge from Sergio Ramos, but referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco waved play on, to the exasperation of the home fans. Rodriguez then found himself in a cross or shoot situation. He chose the former and lashed a shot miles over Casillas' crossbar, much to the anguish of the well placed Raul Garcia.
Just before half time, goalscorer Ronaldo went robustly into a challenge with Manquillo, the man who had earlier fouled him for a penalty. Manquillo fell horribly on to his neck, but fortunately was unhurt. Ronaldo picked up a booking for his part.
Half time and Atletico boss Diego Simeone rang the changes. Manquillo and Diego Ribas off, Juanfran and Adrian on. Still aggreived by the referee's first half showing, the fans of the home side were further annoyed when an under pressure Real Madrid defence were given the benefit of the doubt twice for fouls you could describe as 'nothing fouls'.
Ronaldo came close to claiming a hat-trick, as he took a back post cross on his chest and fired at goal, only for Aranzubia to block his effort. Atletico did benefit from some inconsistent refereeing, as centre back Miranda appeared to elbow substitute Jese. The referee went to his pocket for a card, luckily for the Brazilian, it was only yellow.
A disappointing night for the hosts failed to get better, as Casillas produced a wonder save to deny Jose Sosa. The Argentine latched on to a loose ball and fired a half-volley from 18 yards, only for Casillas to stretch out a hand to tip the ball over the bar.
The full time whistle confirmed Real Madrid's progress to the final of the Copa del Rey, a comfortable 2-0 win on the night and a crushing 5-0 win on aggregate.