2009 Copa del Rey Final: Barcelona's Path to the Treble
The 2009 Copa del Rey final marked a historic milestone in Spanish football. As the 107th final of the prestigious domestic cup competition, the match pitted the rising powerhouse of FC Barcelona against the storied Athletic Bilbao. Played on May 13, 2009, at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, this encounter was more than just a trophy hunt; it was the first step in a legendary season for the Catalan side.
Under the management of Pep Guardiola, FC Barcelona secured a dominant 4–1 victory, claiming the trophy and setting the stage for their first-ever treble—winning the Copa del Rey, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League in a single campaign.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Final Score: FC Barcelona 4–1 Athletic Bilbao.
- Date: May 13, 2009.
- Venue: Mestalla, Valencia.
- Attendance: 50,000 spectators.
- Significance: The first trophy of Barcelona's historic 2008–09 treble.
- Referee: Luis Medina Cantalejo.
The Road to the Final
Both teams navigated challenging knockout stages to reach the final in Valencia. Barcelona's journey was characterized by high-scoring victories, while Athletic Bilbao fought through tight contests to secure their place.
Barcelona's Journey
Barcelona displayed clinical form throughout the tournament, overcoming several top-tier opponents:
- Round of 32: Benidorm (2–0 aggregate)
- Round of 16: Atlético Madrid (5–2 aggregate)
- Quarterfinals: Espanyol (3–2 aggregate)
- Semifinals: Sevilla (4–2 aggregate)
Athletic Bilbao's Journey
Athletic Bilbao showed great resilience to reach the final match:
- Round of 32: Recreativo (3–2 aggregate)
- Round of 16: Osasuna (3–1 aggregate)
- Quarterfinals: Sporting Gijón (2–1 aggregate)
- Semifinals: Mallorca (3–1 aggregate)
Match Analysis and Details
The final began with a surprise for Barcelona. Athletic Bilbao took an early lead in the 8th minute through Gaizka Toquero, momentarily silencing the Barcelona supporters. However, the lead was short-lived as Barcelona's superior technical quality took over.
Yaya Touré equalized in the 32nd minute, and the second half saw a flurry of goals. Lionel Messi scored in the 55th minute, followed quickly by Bojan in the 57th. Xavi sealed the victory with a fourth goal in the 64th minute, ensuring a comfortable win for the Catalan giants.
| Detail | Athletic Bilbao | FC Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 1 | 4 |
| Goal Scorers | Toquero (8') | Touré (32'), Messi (55'), Bojan (57'), Xavi (64') |
| Manager | Joaquín Caparrós | Pep Guardiola |
| Captain | Francisco Yeste | Carles Puyol |
The Anthem Controversy
Beyond the action on the pitch, the event was marred by political tension. During the playing of the Spanish national anthem, widespread booing erupted from both Catalan nationalist fans of Barcelona and Basque nationalist fans of Athletic Bilbao.
The broadcast by Televisión Española (TVE) faced severe criticism after cutting away from the live anthem to avoid showing the booing. The network later aired the anthem at halftime with the audio edited. This act of censorship led to an apology from director Javier Pons and the firing of Julian Reyes, the head of sports news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2009 Copa del Rey final?
FC Barcelona won the final, defeating Athletic Bilbao with a score of 4–1.
Where was the match played?
The match took place at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain.
What was the significance of this win for FC Barcelona?
This victory was the first of three major trophies Barcelona won that season, completing their first historic treble alongside La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Who scored the goals for Barcelona?
The goals were scored by Yaya Touré, Lionel Messi, Bojan, and Xavi.
Why was there a controversy regarding the national anthem?
Fans from both teams booed the Spanish national anthem, and the national broadcaster, TVE, was accused of censorship for editing the live footage to remove the sound of the booing.