It was still 0-0 in the 103rd minute of the 'Clasico' cup final between Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, The even cup final was decided by Cristiano Ronaldo. The moment in which Real Madrid ended Barcelona's dominance and won, after 18 years, a Copa del Rey against the Tiki-Taka football of Barca.
It was on 20th April 2011. It has been nine years since Cristiano Ronaldo scored the huge goal for Real Madrid. There were four 'Clasicos' in 15 days in three separate competitions. Mourinho against the Barca side ever and the Portuguese was looking for tactical soljutions to defeat the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Leo Messi. Khedira, Xabi Alonso and a midfield three including Pepe.
Pepe hit the bar for RM in the first half, but Barca picked up in the second half although Iker Casillas had little to do in the goal. Real Madrid were playing on the counter until 90 minutes and then in extra-time, Di Maria and Cristiano had chances before the two combined for the winning goal.
One of Marcelo's attacks saw him find Di Maria. The Argentine touched and passed out into space. Close to the left touch. The Brazilian passed it back to him first time, Alves could not cut out the cross. Di Maria ran and saw a two on two situation in the area.
The precise left footed cross was perfect for Cristiano Ronaldo to leave his marker Mascherano and head home. Pinto could not stop the goal and the fans in the Real Madrid end at the Mestalla erupted.
Real Madrid had not won the Copa del Rey since victory over Real Zaragoza in 1993. It was Mourinho's first and the club proved that Real's style of more direct play could also win titles.
"It you line up like a poorer team, you should train nine versus eleven," the late Johan Cruyff said before the match. Mourinho had the last laugh and won the tactical battle. Cruyff was right that it would be very hard fought with lots of fouls though.