Spanish Cup: Sevilla-Getafe (1-0)

As they did three years ago, Sevilla arrived at the Bernabéu for the cup. The last time they were playing in a semi-final. On that occasion, Sevilla came away empty-handed. This Sevilla, led by Juande Ramos, is very different. It’s a winning team, a team that performs in finals, a team that knows what it can do well and doesn’t lose focus at the key moments. Sevilla have won another final, the fourth in a little over thirteen magical and unforgettable months. At last, this was a Spanish trophy. Güiza was unable to beat Palop when he seemed certain to, the Sevilla ‘keeper epitomising the incredible spirit of this team. Kanouté almost had too much time to think about how to beat Luis García. But he kept his nerve, and drove Sevilla on to greatness.

The start was electric. Sevilla were ready, and it showed from the beginning. An incredible 50,000 Sevilla fans were there, making it clear that only a win would do. The sensational atmosphere served as an extra spur for Juanda Ramos’s players, who came out flying. They created a huge amount down the right, with Dani Alves doing a lot of damage, and Navas giving Getafe a warning after six minutes.

Sevilla have won another final, the fourth in a little over thirteen magical and unforgettable months

But just when Sevilla were at their best, the biggest scare of the night arrived. A defensive error left Güiza on his own. He tried to go past Palop, but the goalkeeper stood firm. The goalkeeper for the big occasion. As it turned out, Güiza couldn’t afford to miss, as Kanouté went through on goal a minute later. And he rarely gives you a second chance. After taking the ball from the halfway line, with two defenders in pursuit, the Malian beat Luis García in the Getafe goal. In the 11th minute, the Sevilla fans in the Bernabéu were rocking. Sevilla were once again on their way to glory.