Barcelona successfully defend their Copa del Rey title, as their resilience shines through. Luis Enrique’s men showed great character and determination to hold on following Mascherano’s sending off and then Banega’s dismissal provided them with the boost they needed. In the end goals from Alba and Neymar did the damage, with Carrico also receiving a late red card in controversial circumstances. The champions just had too much for Sevilla in the end, but they will be looking for revenge in the Spanish Super Cup, when they will meet again.
Luis Enrique’s side just managed to outlast Madrid pair Atletico and Real to defend their title in La Liga and it was another feat of endurance to see off Sevilla at the Vicente Calderon.
The Andalusian side could not replicate their second-half majesty of Wednesday’s 3-1 Europa League final success against Liverpool, despite enjoying much of the play.
Javier Mascherano’s first-half dismissal and Luis Suarez’s withdrawal with a hamstring injury kept Barca pegged back throughout, but Ever Banega’s dismissal in second-half stoppage time turned the tables.
Messi had been subdued throughout, but it was the Argentina star’s inch-perfect pass that put Jordi Alba through to score in the 97th minute.
After Daniel Carrico saw red to add to the feisty atmosphere, Messi again hit top gear to set up Neymar’s clincher, sealing a 28th Copa del Rey for Barca, whose Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Atletico stands as the only major blot on another stunning season.