MADRID - Espanyol coach Miguel Angel Lotina says the foundation of his team's sparkling 4-1 win over Real Zaragoza in the King's Cup final was laid on the team bus as it travelled to the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

"We won the game on the bus journey between the hotel and the stadium," Lotina told a news conference.

"We saw our fans lining the streets all the way and the players got to their feet and started joining in their songs and the atmosphere was fantastic.

"You can talk as much as you like about tactics and coaching certificates but the reality of football comes down to things like that. That sort of spirit is what wins Cup finals."

Espanyol upset pre-match favourites Zaragoza with an early goal by skipper Raul Tamudo, a classy double from fellow striker Luis Garcia and a coolly taken solo effort by Ferran Corominas.

Zaragoza, who disposed of Barcelona and Real Madrid on the way to the final, were reduced to 10 men when keeper Cesar, who ended up on the losing side in the Cup for the third time in his career, was sent off for a second booking 20 minutes from time.

"We had the luck that has deserted us in the league and that helped us beat a great team," said Lotina.

"It was important to get the early goal and we certainly had our scoring boots on, but the difference in the scoreline does not reflect the difference between the two sides. It was much closer than that."

Espanyol have spent much of the season trying to stave off relegation and are only two points above the drop zone, but the Cup victory guarantees a place in next season's UEFA Cup.