Calderon hails Real heroes

Madrid president reflects on a remarkable result

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 25th August 2008

Calderon hails Real heroes

Real celebrate with Super Cup

Related links

Teams

Also see

Ramon Calderon hailed an epic performance from nine-man Real Madrid as they came from behind to lift the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.

The Primera Liga champions appeared to have handed the trophy to Valencia when they saw Rafael van der Vaart dismissed with Los Che already holding a 1-0 lead.

Ruud van Nistelrooy then brought the scores level on the night from the penalty spot, before the Dutch striker also saw red.

However, a remarkable final 15 minutes saw Bernd Schuster's side grab three more goals, before Valencia snatched a late consolation.

The tie finished 6-5 on aggregate to Real, with the club president overjoyed by the determination displayed by his side.

Winning mentality

"Everyone is delighted with the way that we have won this trophy and it is what makes this club great and it will long be remembered," Calderon said.

"Scoring three goals with nine players will not happen very often. We have shown determination and spirit and that has made me very proud of everything we are doing here.

"The players are natural born winners and they don't know how to lose, it is not in their make-up. It is what makes Madrid so great and we are so happy and proud.

"Everyone has been great and showed great mentality as well as being physically strong. Now we have to take advantage of this and go for the other three trophies available this season.

"There is a feeling that this team cannot be stopped."