Ronaldo says Copa win a confidence boost

MADRID - Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo said his side were deserved Spanish Supercopa champions after their pulsating 2-1 win over arch-rivals Barcelona in Wednesday night’s second leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.Quick-fire goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Ronaldo, and a red card for Barcelona’s Adriano Correia, saw Madrid take an early grip on the tie but when Lionel Messi curled in a free-kick Real had to hold on to claim the trophy on away goals (4-4 aggregate).“We began the game very well,” said Ronaldo. “We scored two goals in the first 20 minutes, the team had a lot of confidence and you could see that. We played very well and had many chances.“In the second half maybe we lowered our performance a little because of tiredness, but we are deserved winners of the Supercopa. This will give us more confidence for the future.”Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who had been very angry with his team after their 2-1 La Liga loss at Getafe on Sunday, was smiling at the final whistle, but decided against speaking to the press afterwards.The night also went well for Madrid’s new signing Luka Modric, who made a late substitute appearance just two days after completing his €37 million move from Tottenham Hotspur, and duly picked up his first medal as a Real player.

Sports

Ronaldo says Copa win a confidence boost