Marca recall the dramatic 2005 Copa del Rey final between Osasuna and Real Betis in which John Aloisi scored a late equaliser for Los Rojillos to send the game to extra time against their Andalusian opponents. On that particular night, Betis ended on top with a goal in the 114th minute giving them the lead and the title.
Now, 18 years later, Osasuna were able to get their revenge in a fashion mirroring the heartbreaking final. While the stakes weren’t as high in this round of 16 clash, and the late goal was scored by David García instead of Aloisi, Betis once again saw their lead created by William Carvalho disappear as the game was prolonged by an additional half hour.
During extra time, we got a good helping of heart-stopping moments as Chimy Ávila was inches off of completing the comeback with a great volley, but it went just wide. David García’s strong defending gave the Pamplona team a lifeline as he saved a clear-cut scoring chance from Betis. Moments later, Rubén García’s left-footed shot from inside the box just wasn’t enough to give his team the lead.
Right before the break, Youssuf Sabaly delivered a near-knock-out punch to seemingly squash the hopes of Osasuna’s fans once again, with a nicely worked goal where Borja Iglesias’ assist was invaluable.
Los Rojillos however didn’t give up and went into the last 15 minutes full of energy. Their fighting spirit was rewarded after Aridane Hernández’s long ball was caught by Rubén García who tucked the ball away.
As if the match hadn’t already been heart-stopping enough, the resulting penalty shootout made sure to put everyone on the edge of their seats.
Ávila and Iglesias began evenly matched, each scoring their team’s first spot kick. Ante Budimir and Loren Morón both followed suit for the second.
Jon Moncayola kept Osasuna’s streak with a clean third penalty, however, Sergio Canales saw his spot-kick stopped by Sergio Herrera in goal. Kike Barja put the northerners on the verge of victory, and the match came to a dramatic end with Guido Rodríguez’s slip sealing Betis’ fate.
GSFN | Nicolás Antúnez de Mayolo
