Ronaldo own-goal gives Granada unlikely win

Jose Mourinho's side started slowly following their midweek Copa Del Rey semi-final draw with arch-rivals Barcelona and looked out of sorts from the get go as only Angel Di Maria and Karim Benzema looked disinterested.

Granada in desperate need of some points had the better start and nearly took the lead when former Barcelona winger Nolito almost beat Diego Lopez. The on-loan Benfica star was looking up for the game against his once bitter rivals.

Less than a minute later and Gabriel Torje's corner was met by Cristiano Ronaldo who put the ball into his own net. The crowd was stunned.

Los Blancos were the better team for much of the second half, but they failed to find an equalizer to give Granada a first win over Madrid in almost 40 years.

Following the defeat, José Mourinho first took time to praise the efforts of his rivals.

“Granada have done their job, have scored their goal, have defended with everything they’ve got. They’ve had a great party night here, because they’ve done their utmost to secure the result.

"For the great effort of Granada and the spirit they’ve put into the game, the three points for them are justified.”

Newly appointed Granada boss Lucas Alvarez took to the media aswell but praised the club's fans whom he believed would part through the night.

"It was like a party with a lot of enthusiasm in the stands. You can’t limit the enthusiasm and excitement of the fans after this triumph.”

image: © Jan S0L0

Ben Crump

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Founder of Inside Spanish Football and Freelance European Football Writer, previously worked for Goal.com, Forza Italian Football, Shoot Magazine. Youth Football Coach and dedicated husband and father!