Copa Del Rey Final: A Spanish Showdown to Savour

Barcelona vs Valencia

Ahead of the showpiece of the Spanish football season, the words of one of the best Spanish goalscorers of his generation seemed to sum up perfectly what many feel ahead of the 2019 Copa del Rey Final.

Indeed, if Fernando Morientes’ comments are to prove accurate, SBOBET fans could be in for a surprise this weekend.

A winner of this competition himself with Los Che 11 years ago, he knows the mighty Barca, with Lionel Messi the talisman, will start as clear favourites.

Yet he also knows the Catalans, despite being on course for another league and cup double, are a club still struggling after an ignominious Champions League semi-final exit a fortnight ago.

Talking Points

Never mind that they finished top of La Liga by 11 points.

Never mind they were a massive 26 points ahead of their final opponents in the standings.

Never mind they have produced some special Copa del Rey highlights en route to the final – not least in their semi-final rout of arch rivals Real Madrid.

Never mind they are bidding for a fifth successive triumph in the competition.

Mentally, Barcelona are not in a good place right now, many critics believe.

Others say they are too professional to let one setback spoil another successful campaign.

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UEFA – Champions League

That includes Ronald Koeman who won four La Liga titles and the Champions League during his time as a player at Barcelona and was in charge of Valencia on their memorable night 11 years ago – the last time they won a trophy.

Talking of coaches, Valencia were languishing in 12th position in the standings in December and there were repeated calls from supporters for Marcelino to be sacked.

Fast forward five months and they have secured Champions League football for the second year running by winning 2-0 at Real Valladolid, clinching fourth place in La Liga at the expense of Getafe.

Marcelino’s side will now have an extra spring in their step when they face Barcelona and will be looking to add shine to an impressive end to what has been a turbulent campaign.

On the team news front, a knee injury means Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out.

Jasper Cillessen was expected to start anyway but Ter Stegen will now not even be on the bench.

Ousmane Dembele is practically ruled out too as he has not trained so far this week but they have been boosted by the return to training of Philippe Coutinho.

Valencia have concerns of their own but will be encouraged that former Real defender Ezequiel Garay, who missed the victory over Valladolid, has returned to training, albeit wearing a protective bandage.

If there was any doubt how much the Europa League semi-finalists want this, then listen to forward Santi Mina who has claimed he will get a tattoo of the trophy if Los Che beat Barcelona.

Stranger things have happened.

History

Barcelona fancy winning a domestic double when they meet Valencia in the Copa del Rey final — Can Barcelona lift the trophy for a second season in a row?

These sides have actually met in two previous Copa Del Rey finals.

In 1951, Valencia triumphed 3-0 with goals from Antonio Fuertes (two) and Manuel Badenes.

Barca had a player in the team that day called Luis Suarez!

In 1971, it was Barca who were successful with a 4-3 extra-time triumph as substitute Ramon Alfonseda netted the winner.

Then Valencia were managed by the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano and Barcelona by an Englishman with a colourful history, Vic Buckingham.

In the league this season, both matches have ended all square.

Garay and Messi scored in a 1-1 draw in La Liga in October.

The return match in February in the Nou Camp saw Valencia open up a 2-0 lead through Kevin Gameiro and a Daniel Parejo penalty before Messi hauled the champions level with his own double, again the second was from the penalty spot.

Betting Tip

	Barcelona vs Valencia	Total Goal 4-6 @ 2.59
	May 26, 03:00(GMT+8)

The Copa del Rey betting odds naturally favour Barcelona before a ball is even kicked in the Benito Villamarin in Seville.

Victory would ease some of the pressure coach Ernesto Valverde finds himself under, extremely unfairly considering he has guided them to another league title and is on the verge of two doubles in as many years.

You can get odds on Barcelona 1X2 @ 1.57 and Valencia @ 5.00. The draw is available @ 4.10.

With Asian Handicap betting odds, how about Barca -1.00 @ 1.97 or Valencia +0.75 @ 2.33?

Double Chance Valencia or Draw @ 2.27 will prove attractive to many, as will repeat of their league meetings earlier this season: Correct Score 1-1 @ 7.80 or 2-2 @ 15.00.