A breathtaking display from Barcelona that saw them score three first-half goals helped them to their 30th Copa del Rey triumph against Sevilla on Saturday night as they joined the exclusive club of just three sides to have won the trophy four times in a row.
A brace from Luis Suarez along with strikes from Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Philippe Coutinho helped the Catalan side to the most comfortable of victories at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
The holders came out swinging from the off, going close as Lionel Messi - attempting to equal Telmo Zarra’s record of scoring in five Copa del Rey finals - drew a flying save from David Soria from a free-kick.
With just 14 minutes on the clock Barca were ahead, with Jasper Cillessen of all people playing a key role in the goal. The goalkeeper pinged a long ball forward and Philippe Coutinho was able to scamper away unchallenged before drawing Soria and dinking the ball over him for Suarez to convert from close range.
It was a dream start for Barca, but the Andalusians did briefly threaten as response as Joaquin Correa fluffed a volley after being found by Mudo Vazquez and Steven N’Zonzi failed to make telling contact with Jesus Navas’ dangerous low ball in from the right.
However, that pressure was fleeting and Barcelona soon seized the initiative once again, with Andres Iniesta seeing a fierce effort from range crash back off the crossbar after it took a nick off Messi.
- Messi making more history -
The Argentine made amends on the hour mark though as he fired into the roof of the net after a fine back-heeled pass from Jordi Alba down the left to double the lead and match Zarra’s record.