Copa del Rey final preview: A familiar goodbye story for Barcelona
It will be Luis Enrique's final game and he deserves to go out with a trophy
For Alaves it's the game of their lives, only the club's second ever cup final
They say that history does not repeat itself although doubts about that exist. There are coincidences that seem pulled from the most convoluted script. When Pep Guardiola announced he was leaving Barcelona, La Liga went on to be won by Real Madrid (2010-11). And Barcelona played the Copa del Rey final at the Vicente Calderon, that time against Athletic Bilbao. The Catalans starting off losing although ended up turning things around and winning 3-1.
Guardiola could leave with pride and the victory allowed the fans to finish the season with satisfaction. One title, at least. Circumstances have repeated themselves and this occasion it’s Luis Enrique leaving. With this Copa Barcelona have the chance to finish on a high note.
A Copa with a goodbye flavour. A new cycle. It’s what happens when a coach leaves and another arrives. Luis Enrique goes and Ernesto Valverde is coming. Additionally it will also be the final game of football at the Vicente Calderon, an historic stadium, scene of big moments and finals, the home of Atletico Madrid who are moving.
David vs. Goliath. It will be, in principe, an uneven final if we compare honours lists. Barcelona are a team used to greatness and excellence, with a multi-million, galactic squad.
Alaves for their part have reinvented themselves after nearly disappearing entirely. In record time they came from the Segunda B to the top flight. They are a team full of faith, hope, belief, that will try, like David, to beat the gigantic Goliath.
The precedents don’t serve us particularly well, because Alaves were the only team to win at Camp Nou this season, while Barcelona went to Mendizorroza and won 6-0.
Obviously it is the most important match in Alaves’ history, who are dreaming of taking the thorn out of the wound after the cursed UEFA final where they lost to Liverpool thanks to an own goal.
For Barcelona it’s another final. Important, but another of the many they are used to playing. In recent times there have been so many.
Tonight experience is measured against naivety, the powerful machine against the humbleness of a club that will surely outnumber Barcelona in the stands.
It is a special night for Iniesta and Messi, who can win their 30th title as Barcelona players, a true barbarity. And Barcelona can win it for the third year running, an indisputable King of Cups. A lot of lure for one night.
