MADRID — The Copa del Rey trophy was supposed to be coach Jose Mourinho's parting gift for Real Madrid, or at least a consolation prize after a season that will be remembered for his abrasive antics and his team's failure to win silverware. Instead, Atletico Madrid ended a 14-year winless run against its city rival by taking the title Friday, coming from behind for a cathartic 2-1 win in extra time after Mourinho and his star forward Cristiano Ronaldo were sent off. Brazilian defender Miranda headed in Jorge “Koke” Resurrecion's cross in the eighth minute of extra time to give Atletico its 10th Copa del Rey title and first since 1996. “This is for our fans that have suffered for 14 years,” Atletico's captain Gabi Fernandez said moments before he received the trophy from Spain's King Juan Carlos. “This team worked hard for this and deserved it.” Ronaldo appeared to have put Madrid on its way to yet another victory over its crosstown rivals when he headed in a goal in the 14th minute. But Atletico refused to fold and Radamel Falcao set up Diego Costa to level 10 minutes before halftime. Mourinho was sent off for protesting a decision in the 76th. Likely heading back to England in the offseason, he will finish his last campaign in Madrid without a title after it lost the Spanish league to Barcelona and bowed out of the Champions League semifinals. “This is my worst season. I have never not won an important title. You can say I failed this season,” Mourinho said. “With one final, a semifinal, a second-place finish, and a Spanish Supercup, for many other coaches it would have been a good season. For me it's the worst.” Mourinho repeated that he would decide his future with club president Florentino Perez after the season ends in early June, although there is strong expectation he will return to former club Chelsea. The final was a vibrant match but not without its ugly side. Ronaldo received a straight red card for kicking Gabi in the face in the 114th, setting off a sideline scuffle between the benches. Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was struck in the head by an object thrown from the Santiago Bernabeu stands shortly afterward. Atletico also ended the match with 10 men when Gabi was sent off seconds before the final whistle for a second yellow card. But that came too late to prevent a victory that even the coach acknowledged was a lucky one, with Madrid's shots repeatedly hitting the frame of the goal. “We had the good fortune that a champion needs,” said Atletico coach Diego Simeone, who added the cup to the Europa League title won last year. “What these players have done for the past year and a half is amazing. I don't have words for it.” — Agencies
