Jose Mourinho's tenure with Real Madrid seems to be over, but the coach has one last chance to win a major trophy when his club takes on cross town rival Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey Final.
Mourinho's job has been called into question after the coach lost the Spanish league title to Barcelona and was eliminated from the Champions league by Borussia Dortmund. The Copa Del Rey is the only remaining trophy Real Madrid can win this year.
"It's a trophy that we are very excited to win," Cristiano Ronaldo said of the Copa Del Rey. "We know it will be a hard-fought match against a rival of the same city and it will be quite a show for the fans.
"I go into the match with a sense of great responsibility," he added. "I face all games the same way, but this is a final. It's a special match, but my ambition is always the same, to help Real Madrid the best way I know how, by playing well, scoring goals, and setting up my teammates."
Since Atletico Madrid's return to the top division in 2002-03, Real Madrid has won 17 of the 22 matches in the regular season; the other five games ended in draws. Real Madrid has won the last eight tilts between the two sides, including two victories in the 2012-13 season. Since 2009, Ronaldo has scored eight times in derbies.
"Of course our fans don't like the situation, but I don't think it will influence the match," Atletico forward Diego Costa said about being dominated by Real Madrid over the years. "We know it's a final and we have to be at our best to win. The key is to stick together as a great team and for each one of us to give it his all."
"Most people are picking Real Madrid as favorite because of its budget, for the players it has, but that doesn't bother us," added Atletico star Radamel Falcao. "We will rely on the faith we have in ourselves."
Prediction: Real Madrid wins 3-1.
Start Time: 3:30 PM EST
TV: ESPN Deportes, ESPN
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