Espanyol 4-1 Zaragoza

ByEurosport

Published 12/04/2006 at 22:39 GMT

Espanyol pulled off a surprise victory in the final of Spain's Copa del Rey on Wednesday as they walloped favourites Real Zaragoza 4-1. Returning captain Raul Tamudo starred and Ivan de la Pena ruled the midfield before Ferran Corominas' last gasp effort

De la Pena masterminded three of the goals, with striker Luis Garcia weighing in with a double.

Zaragoza were reduced to ten men in the final quarter, as the frustration got the better of keeper Cesar. He was sent off for throwing an object into the crowd.

OSCAR WINNER

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FOOTBALL 2005-2006 Final de la Copa del Rey Espanyol-Zaragoza Luis García celebra su gol

Image credit: EFE

Zaragoza midfielder Oscar enjoyed the first chance. He spooned over after just 30 seconds from Ewerthon's neat through ball.

Less than a minute later Espanyol snatched the lead, skipper Raul Tamudo reacting fastest after de la Pena's superb free kick ricocheted off the bar.

Zaragoza's equaliser came courtesy of a set-piece straight from the training ground.

Ewerthon was left to head in from close after Oscar had headed Albert Celades deep free kick back across the area.

ESPANYOL TAKE CONTROL

The favourites look set to take control until Luis Garcia was inexplicably left unmarked. He headed home after a lovely pass from de La Pena had put Tamudo free on the left.

Espanyol then weathered the storm until the last quarter, with the tireless Cani pumping a stream of dangerous crosses into the area.

But hope was lost for Zaragoza when Cesar lost his head. A minute later midfielder Ferran Corominas raced on to a first-time pass from, guess who, de la Pena and finished off with a cool shot underneath substitute keeper Raul Valbuena.

Luis Garcia sealed a wonderful evening for the less famous Catalans with a low drive from the edge of the area.

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