The victory in the Vicente Calderón strengthens FC Barcelona’s position as the most successful team of recent years as they claim the Copa del Rey for the second successive season
There is no doubt that FC Barcelona are the team of recent years. Winning the Copa del Rey and in the process assuring themselves of another double, the seventh of this type in their history, means that Barça have now won four trophies this season to continue a cycle of victories over the last decade that cannot be touched.
After seeing off the challenge of the two Champions League finalists in the league, Luis Enrique’s did the same in the cup to a Sevilla side who had just won the Europe League title for the third season in a row. Victory in the Copa del Rey and league have come in a week that will live long in the Club’s history.
An epic of character and football
The win the Vicente Calderón was one of courage and pride. The dismissal of Javier Mascherano in the first half and the injury to Luis Suárez in the second failed to dent Barça’s resolve as the blaugranes were not to be dissuaded from their pursuit of victory. In the league the team were able to overcome their April dip and in the cup final they were able to do the same, showing immense character when it was needed. Football, in the end, won out and the ball was Barça’s 12th man as always.
The 28th cup in their history rounds off a wonderful season which has included such highlights as the 4-0 win in the Bernabéu and the 7-0 win over Valencia at Camp Nou in the Copa del Rey semi-final. The season’s successes can be seen as fitting tribute to Johan Cruyff, the man who was the architect of the Club’s most trophy laden period in its 116 year history.