Barcelona throw away chance to win domestic double after losing Copa del Rey final despite late Messi strike
BARCELONA had won the Copa del Rey for the past four seasons – but Valencia have finally knocked them off their perch.
Lionel Messi and Co threw away the chance to win the domestic double following a shock 2-1 defeat in Seville.
Rodrigo came close to putting Valencia ahead after just five minutes, but his effort was cleared off the line.
Marcelini Garcia Torel’s men continued to pile the pressure on the La Liga champions before they opened the scoring in the 21st minute.
Kevin Gameiro found the back of the net with a remarkable effort from the edge of the box.
Rodrigo doubled Valencia’s tally to give the underdogs a two-goal cushion before half-time.
Messi struck the woodwork in the second half before he scored from close range to breathe life back into the tie.
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The 31-year-old’s strike makes him the first player to ever score in six Copa del Rey finals.
But even the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could not find an equaliser at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.
Valencia, who finished fourth in La Liga, have now lifted the Copa del Rey trophy for the first time in ten years.