LA COPA DEL REY - SO HARD TO WIN - SO EASY TO DROP...UNDER THE OPEN-TOP BUS...WOOPS!

The Real defender accidentally dropped the cup, 18 years after a Real Madrid player last had his hands on it, as he waved to fans who had gathered in Madrid to greet the team on their return from Valencia. "The cup fell, it fell," Ramos said according to Europa Press agency. "But the cup is OK." It was recovered by members of Spanish police who returned it to the driver. The incident, which took place at around 4.15am local time, failed to derail celebrations which ended with the traditional crowning of the Cibeles statue. Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey after defeating arch-rival Barcelona with an extra-time goal netted by Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo. It is Real Madrid's first Copa del Rey since 1993 and comes in Jose Mourinho's debut season since joining from Serie A side Inter Milan. "After two complicated years, winning the Copa del Rey is a relief," Madrid captain Iker Casillas said before following the tradition of wrapping a Madrid insignia and club scarf around the Roman goddess that marks the square.