Copa del Rey Final: Match Preview

This could be the match of the season both for Athletic and Barça supporters around the world.  The '11/'12 Copa del Rey Final could be one of the best in the competition's history.  So much is at stake for both teams.  The departure of Pep Guardiola from Barcelona has increased the hype, as this will be the 41-year-old’s last match as coach.  People expect his men to play at their highest level since the motivation to dedicate the CdR title to Guardiola is there.  However, the timing could not have come at a more difficult time for the Blaugranas.

"We would have liked to play the match at an earlier date so that some of us could go on holiday, others could join their teams for Euro 2012 and others to prepare for their teams' World Cup qualifiers," Sergio Busquets explained during a prematch press conference.

"Two weeks [after the end of La Liga season] are a lot and we have to think positively to prepare for this match the best possible way. The federation [put the 2012 Copa del Rey final on May 25] thinking about a potential Champions League final between Spanish clubs."

 

Athletic seek to rain on Pep Guardiola's and Barcelona's parade, but the chances of doing so are slight.  Earlier this May, the men lost to Atlético Madrid in the final of the UEFA Europa League.  Marcelo Bielsa's men tried to attack Atléti throughout the match.  However, Falcao and Diego handed them a miserable 3-0 defeat.

Athletic Bilbao's Andoni Iraola told AS:

"We will play against a great team.  But physically, we are prepared and we are a top side. The gulf in class between the two sides has been narrowed.  The first goal will be crucial."

Meanwhile, Barça's Cesc Fabregas stated, "We’re going to play against a spectacular team that we admire.  They have hope, they're eager and they always go forward.  They remind me of some English teams, with very direct football but they also utilize their passing game."

Barcelona will have to go on without Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal, Dani Alves and Andreu Fontas in defense.  Additionally, David Villa is not fit yet and will therefore not participate in the final against Athletic.

written by Gail Hidalgo