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Gareth Bale's stunning solo goal saw Real Madrid defeat Barcelona 2-1 in Wednesday's Copa del Rey final. The Welshman arrived in Madrid for a world record transfer fee in September 2013. DANI POZO/AFP/Getty Images
Barca fans gathered at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium hoping to see their team avoid a third straight defeat. The Catalan team had not lost three successive games since January 2003. Denis Doyle/Getty Images
The first goal of the game arrived in the 11th minute, with Argentina winger Angel di Maria finishing off a flowing Real counter-attack. JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images
Barca equalized against the run of play in the second half, young defender Marc Bartra scoring with a firm header from Xavi's corner. JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images
But Real, and Bale, were not to be denied. The winner arrived in the 85th minute when Bale sped past Bartra before squeezing a shot under Barca goalkeeper Pinto. DANI POZO/AFP/Getty Images
