Sevilla 0-5 Barcelona: Blaugrana Clinch Record 30th Copa Del Rey Title
Barcelona clinched their first silverware of the season by thrashing Sevilla 5-0 in the finals of the Copa Del Rey at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday night.
The Catalans just took 14 minutes to get going as Luis Suarez opened the scoring with the easiest of tap-ins after being played in by Philippe Coutinho. Just after the half-hour mark, Barca doubled their lead, courtesy of a thumping first-time finish from star man Lionel Messi. They went into the half-time with a 3-goal lead, thanks to Suarez’s second of the game just five minutes before the break.
Andres Iniesta then heaped more misery on Vincenzo Montella’s men, capping off a fine attacking move to make it 4-0 just seven minutes into the break before Philippe Coutinho converted from the penalty spot in the 69th minute to add the icing on the cake.
Barcelona Player Ratings
Jasper Cillessen – 7/10
Great pass to find Coutinho in the build-up for the opener. Didn’t have much to do but was alert when needed.
Sergi Roberto – 7/10
The Spaniard, after midweek’s sending off, put up a much-improved display on Saturday night. Solid in defence and positive going forward, it was an energetic display.
Gerard Pique – 8/10
The centre-half was hardly troubled throughout the game. Defended steadily, stepped out and got forward regularly. Involved in the buildup to the third goal.
Samuel Umtiti – 7/10
The Frenchman had a great chance to get himself on the scoresheet but missed. Apart from that, he was reliable at the back, did whatever was asked of him.
Jordi Alba – 8/10
Sevilla threatened to break a couple of times down his flank but he held firm at the back. Was a huge influence going forward and set Messi up for his goal with a brilliant backheel.
Philippe Coutinho – 8/10
Teed up Suarez after latching on to Cillesen’s pass for the opening goal. Calm and composed to convert from the spot after the break to make it 5-0.
Ivan Rakitic – 7/10
The Croatian may not have been the most standout player on the night but made sure his more attack-minded players had the freedom to express themselves. Kept things ticking against his former side.
Sergio Busquets – 7.5/10
Rested for the midweek game, the Spanish international seemed to have benefited from it. His complete range of distribution was on display against Sevilla as he helped Barca stay on the front foot.
Andres Iniesta – 9/10
In what was going to be his last appearance in the Copa Del Rey, the Spanish maestro ran the show for Barcelona. Unlucky to have seen a brilliant shot bounce back off the crossbar but did find the back of the net after some sleek interplay with Messi.
Lionel Messi – 9/10
After a couple of dull games, the little magician stepped up on the big night in a big way. Had a free-kick saved but soon scored to make it 2-0. Set Suarez up for the third before assisting Iniesta for his goal. Delightful display.
Luis Suarez – 9/10
The man for the big occasion, Suarez kept his record of ‘scoring in every final he has appeared for the Catalans’ intact. Opened the scoring with a straightforward tap-in and added a second before half-time. Was a menace all night.
Substitutes
Paulinho – N/A
Replaced Busquets for the final 15 minutes, with the game all wrapped up.
Ousmane Dembele – N/A
Was thrown in for Coutinho in the 82nd minute.
Denis Suarez – N/A
A late substitute for the excellent Iniesta.