体坛英语新闻：Cristiano's late goal gives Copa del Rey to Madrid

MADRID, April 20 (Xinhua) -- A Cristiano Ronaldo's header 12 minutes into extra time gave Real Madrid a 1-0 win over FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

The Portuguese star produced a powerful header to give Barca keeper Jose Pinto no chance and hand Madrid their first trophy for three years and their first Cup since 1993.

It was the decisive moment in an enthralling and tense game of football between the two biggest sides in Spain.

There were no surprises in either starting 11 with Javier Mascherano playing in central defense for Barca and Pepe continuing in midfield for a Real Madrid side that maintained its tactics from Saturday's 1-1 draw in the Santiago Bernabeu.

That meant Madrid worked hard to close Barca down in the middle of the park and deny space to Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. It worked well as Barcelona struggled to create in midfield and Madrid created the chances.

Ronaldo sent a chance wide and Mesut Ozil fired a shot wide after a corner had been half cleared.

Barcelona were enjoying 75 percent of the ball, but failing to penetrate a packed Madrid midfield, although Pepe was booked after 25 minutes for a foul on Leo Messi, a minute before Alvaro Arbeloa appeared to stamp on David Villa to spark tense scenes between both sets of players.

Ronaldo saw another chance saved by Jose Pinto on the half hour, before Pepe almost gave his side the lead before the break. The Portuguese international saw his thumping header bounce off the inside of the post after a cross from Angel de Maria.