MADRID // The jubilant Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster admitted in his 30 years in professional football he had never before experienced anything like his side's stunning Supercopa victory over Valencia. Already trailing 3-2 from the first leg, Madrid looked in deep trouble at half time of the return meeting at the Bernabeu as they trailed 1-0 and had also seen summer signing Rafael van der Vaart sent off.
The Spanish champions were then plunged further into the mire in the 68th minute when striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was also dismissed, seemingly destroying any hope the Dutchman's 50th-minute penalty equaliser had given his side. However, from looking on the brink of defeat, the nine men of Madrid produced a fairytale final 13 minutes, scoring three times through Sergio Ramos and substitutes Ruben de la Red and Gonzalo Higuain to earn a 4-2 victory on the night - Fernando Morientes netted a late goal for Valencia - and a 6-5 aggregate triumph.
"The truth is this very rarely happens. I've never lived such an experience before, neither as a player nor as a coach," said the 48-year-old Schuster, who made his playing debut three decades ago. Despite Valencia's dramatic implosion, Schuster still had words of praise for Los Che and their new coach, the 36-year-old Unai Emery. "I guess a defeat like that has to hurt. But he is a young coach with a lot of talent, and I think they've shown they are going to be useful team this year," Schuster added.
Emery added: "For us there is nothing else other than to learn for the future and congratulate our opponents." * PA Sport