Barcelona: Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong inspired Barcelona on Saturday to a 4-0 defeat of Athletic Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey for a record of the 31st time.
The Catalans picked up their first silverware of the season and took revenge for their Spanish Super Cup defeat by Athletic in January with a convincing victory, reports DPA.
The Basques, who also lost the postponed 2020 final two weeks ago in La Cartuja in Sevilla, have not won the cup since 1984, when they beat Barcelona.
Ronald Koeman’s team, looking for their first trophy in almost two years, started well and almost went through when De Jong shot down Messi’s post.
It was the best opportunity of a first half they dominated, without creating too many chances.
Messi blocked a shot and a free kick that hit the wall, while Inigo Martinez threw an attempt inches wide on the other side.
Antoine Griezmann should have broken the deadlock in the second half, but Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon was shown off the mark.
The International Spaniard made an even better stop moments later and denied Sergio Busquets of a similar proximity.
Finally, Barcelona broke the death knell at the hour mark, with Griezmann correcting his earlier defeat by wiping off De Jong’s cross.
The Dutchman returned home for the second time to end Athletic’s resistance, before Messi struck an excellent shoulder to give new president Joan Laporta the first trophy of his second government.
“It is very special to be captain of this club, where I have spent half my life,” said Messi, whose contract expires this summer.
‘It’s a very special cup for me to be able to pick up. It’s a shame we can not celebrate with our fans. It has been a difficult year for us and it is very important to be able to celebrate it and try to win La Liga. It is a transition year, with many young players, the team has become stronger. ”
Messi’s future is unknown, but at present he is still crucial to his club.
The Argentine’s first goal was a work of art, to play with De Jong in pairs and finish cool, while the second was a good effort from the edge of the area.
“I hope this is not (Messi)’s last trophy for Barca,” coach Koeman added. “I hope he stays with us.”
The Dutchman also does not know if he will be at the club next season, while Laporta does not confirm whether he intends to keep Koeman on Barcelona’s bench, although this emphatic cup victory will not harm his chances.
It was the perfect way for Barcelona to recover from Clasico’s defeat in La Liga, where they still have a good chance of ousting leaders and current champions Real Madrid.
Source: Telangana Today