Barça once again pushing for Bernabeu to host Copa del Rey final
Real Madrid are unlikely to let the final be played at their stadium in May
Barcelona are in the Copa del Rey final for the fourth successive season. For the seventh time in nine seasons, since they beat Athletic Club in 2009 on their way to the treble under Pep Guardiola. Of the seven, they've won four, including the last two, and could make it five this year. All that's missing is a venue for the final.
Once again there's a mess as Barça seek to confirm once again why they are the kings of this competition. For two reasons: the Blaugrana want, like always, to play the final at the Santiago Bernabeu and Real Madrid, as the owners of the stadium, don't want to paint it in the colours of their rivals.
On Wednesday Barça found out that their rival in the final will be Alaves. It was necessary to find out who before the search for a stadium could begin. Knowing the opponent, the next step will be to get in contact with the Basque side to find out their preferences. Shareholder Josean Querejeta told Cadena Ser that would prefer San Mames for its proximity.
Barça's desire remains the same: a city capable of receiving thousands of supporters, a stadium with the largest capacity possible and one which is, more less, in the middle of the two travelling sets of supporters. Two and two is four and the Bernabeu fits that criteria.
This season, however, the circumstances are different than in others. One of them is that since the start of the campaign the Vicente Calderon, in its last year, has wanted to host the final. Also because Madrid leaked to the media (even before their KO) that there would be work at Chamartin. Keeping in mind both Madrid clubs' stances, playing at the Bernabeu is not a real option.
But the question is: will both finalists, or just Barça, still ask for the RFEF to play the final at the Bernabeu. It would amost seem like Barcelona are just looking to force Madrid into an answer, given Los Blancos have made it clear to the RFEF, Barça, Athletic and Sevilla in recent years that there's no way they will lend their home.
Although that's not a reason for Barça not to push for what they feel is in the best interests of their socios and fans.
