Barcelona thrash Athletic Bilbao to win Copa del Rey

By guest writer Thomas Rooney

Barcelona seem to be hitting form at just the right time. In just under two weeks time they will take on Manchester United in the Champions League final and they look set to go into this game extremely high on confidence.

This is because they already have one trophy in the bag after hammering Athletic Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey final. Barcelona ran out 4-1 winners as they completed the first of a possible three major
honours for the season.

Gaizka Toquero managed to upset theSpanish football odds and give Bilbao the lead in this game as he headed home at the back post from Fran Yeste’s corner. At this point the Barcelona defence was looking fragile to say the least and there was no hint of what was to come.

However, as they so often do, Barcelona turned it on when they needed it most. With Pep Guardiola’s men looking up against it, Yaya Toure produced a moment of magic to level the game. The Ivory Coast midfielder went past three players before drilling the ball into the net from 25 yards.

Barcelona had their tails up now and it was only a matter of time before they took the lead. Then, just after half-time, they did just that as Lionel Messi struck the ball through a crowded penalty area into the bottom corner.

There was then only a three minute wait for Barcelona to extend their lead. Bojan Krkic raced through on goal before slotting the ball past the keeper to make it 3-1. Then, as if things could get any worse for Bilbao, Xavi’s superb free-kick curled in off the post to complete the scoring.

Three goals in a devastating nine minutes had completely turned the game around and soon after Barcelona were celebrating their 25th King’s Cup.

As much as the players enjoyed the celebrations though, they know that a lot of work is still to be done this season. There is a league title to be won and the small matter of a Champions League final against Manchester United.

Should Barcelona continue to show the form they did at the beginning of the second half though, there might not be any teams that can stand in their way of achieving the treble this season. This may be something to bear in mind when you place your all-important Champions League final bet.

By Thomas Rooney

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