Messi's double as Barca destroys Bilbao in Copa Del Rey final

Another Barcelona win, another Messi show, another trophy for the Catalonians. With his possible last final in a Barcelona shirt, the Argentinian decided to be on top of his game and helped his team to win 30th Copa Del Rey, and seventh during his tenure with the club: Barcelona – Atletic Bilbao 4-0.

Ronald Koeman’s players were undisputed winners of this match, with four goals, 8 shots on target and almost 80% of possession. And if it wasn’t for the excellent keeper Simon, Bilbao would probably end this game with three more goals. Athletic Club are the second most successful club in Copa del Rey history, with 23 titles to their name. But, the Basques have lost their last five cup finals, and tonight they added another defeat. With six lost cup finals, they are now unfortunate record holders in Spanish football, with their last cup win coming back in 1984.

But the game wasn’t that easy, at the beginning as it was at the end. Barcelona had a staggering 80% possession in the first half, but managed only one shot on target. The Catalonians started very aggressive and after Messi’s assist, De Jong had the best chance of the first half, but his shot ended in a post. Messi made a pinpoint pass to Griezmann in the 10th minute, but the Frenchman didn’t used the opportunity to finish by himself, but tried to set up Messi, who wasn’t in the position to score. After that, it was over for Barca. They had the ball, but Bilbao totally stopped them.

The second half brought a much more aggressive Barca and a debacle for Bilbao. Chances started to come one after another, and the first three were miraculously saved by Simon. Bilbao’s keeper had three saves in the space of four minutes and they were all excellent. Griezmann, Pedri and Busquets were all denied by Simon, but finally, the Frenchman broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. And when the first goal was scored, The Catalonians just couldn’t stop. After Griezmann, De Jong scored before Messi got two more for the final score, and all that in the space of 12 minutes.

The game lost it’s excitement after that, since Bilbao realized they will loose another Cup Final. With only one shot on target, they didn’t deserve more. This is the first trophy in the second era of Joan Laporta as Barca president and he intends to win much more, hopefully with Messi in his team.