Packed "Camp Nou" with 95.000 crowd witnessing an inform FC Barcelona firing on all pistons & going into next weekends Champions League Final in Berlin against Juventus FC as favourites. There they will attempt to put the "cherry" on this season's cake with a possible third title.
While Barça collectively played almost flawlessly, the difference was again Lionel Messi who solely takes his Club onto another level that no other Club can reach at this stage. The Argentine is in a "state of grace" & the opener in the 20th min came from his play, his genius & his unique skills, zig zagging 4-5 players & blowing the "roof off the stadium". Heartbreaking for the Bilbao defence which had no answers.
Said this, I am somewhat personally disillusioned with Athletic Club Bilbao tonight, a Club I expected more from in this Final. Little "real" Football to show overall & even less creative as they attempted to exploit their few resources; counter-attacks & aerial power upfront. Totally neutralized by their opponents with far more talent, which in itself could excuse somewhat the Bilbao overall performance.
Lionel Messi again scored, this time in the second half - 73rd min - from a Alves pass that shut the Spanish Kings Cup Final.
Neymar was a double protagonist tonight: firstly for scoring the 2º goal for Barça in the 36th min, & secondly for infuriating the Bilbao players in the latter part of the second half with "showcasing" when everything was won for Barça. The Brazilian attempted a self "balloon" pass - perhaps unnecessary - that was seen as "arrogant" & "unsportsman" by Bilbao. Heated moments that will go down as another "Neymar incident" that unfortunately are becoming habitual & blemishing the image of the player. Said this, perhaps it's just another moment of tonight's play where it does not need any investigation nor further analysis.
Athletic Club Bilbao got their consolation goal in the 80th min through young Iñaki Williams who headed home. Not taking away any merit for Bilbao, but Barça at this stage had their collective minds in next week's Champions League Final & perhaps sinned of dropping their concentration.
Conclusion, exhibition from Barça & from Messi & the 27th Spanish Cup title for FC Barcelona in its History. Now onto Berlin & Juventus FC to attempt & continue making History.
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