Copa del Rey: Real Madrid v Barcelona

Barcelona's fans are in fine voice - in reality this could be their best chance of silverware this season, given their faltering league campaign and their exit to Atletico in the Champions League Photograph: Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo looks somewhat disappointed to be missing out on this match due to an injury Photograph: Manu Fernandez/AP

Gareth Bale, who is hunting his first silverware, is a menace early on Photograph: Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images

Real Madrid's Argentinian midfielder Angel di Maria gives his side an early lead from a swift attack Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

... Di Maria looked offside, however, when he was set free by Karim Benzema's pass Photograph: CESAR MANSO/AFP/Getty Images

Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva appeals to the referee for a foul Photograph: LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images

Bale creates a chance with pacy run and cut-back Photograph: JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images

Messi fires a shot wide before the break. Real have a one goal advantage going into the second half Photograph: Alberto Saiz/AP

Bale has an effort rightly chalked off for being offside, and then moments later Barca equalise! Photograph: JOSE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images

Barcelona's defender Marc Bartra is the man who has scored it. his header flew into the top corner giving Real's goalkeeper Iker Casillas no chance Photograph: LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images

Barcelona celebrate making it 1-1 Photograph: Jose Jordan/AFP/Getty Images

But in the 84th minute, Gareth Bale gallivants down the left wing, outstrips his opponent and toe-pokes the ball past the keeper Photograph: DANI POZO/AFP/Getty Images

That's put Real on the brink of victory ... and to think, people said Bale's first season in Spain hadn't been good enough because he hadn't contributed in the big matches. Photograph: DANI POZO/AFP/Getty Images

And when Neymar hits the post in the closing stages, Barcelona's hopes die. Real have won the cup thanks to Bale's killer strike Photograph: LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images

Iker Casillas lifts the trophy Photograph: JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images

Joy for Real (and misery after a third straight defeat in all competitions for Barca!) Final score: 2-1 Photograph: JOSE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images