2017 Copa del Rey Final: Barcelona Triumph Over Alavés
On May 27, 2017, the football world turned its attention to the Vicente Calderón in Madrid for the final of the 2016–17 Copa del Rey. This 115th edition of Spain's primary football cup saw a clash between the seasoned giants, Barcelona, and the spirited underdogs, Alavés.
The match served as a high-stakes encounter where Barcelona sought to cement their dominance in Spanish cup history, while Alavés aimed to secure their first-ever Copa del Rey trophy.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Final Score: Barcelona 3–1 Alavés
- Date: May 27, 2017
- Venue: Vicente Calderón, Madrid
- Man of the Match: Lionel Messi
- Attendance: 45,000
- Referee: Carlos Clos Gómez
Historical Context and Background
Barcelona entered the final as the reigning champions, having defeated Sevilla 2–0 the previous year. With a record 28 victories in 39 final appearances, they were chasing a third consecutive title—a rare feat previously achieved by Barcelona in 1953 and Athletic Bilbao in 1916 and 1945.
In contrast, Alavés arrived at the final during their first season back in La Liga following promotion. This marked their first-ever appearance in a Copa del Rey final and their first major final since the 2001 UEFA Cup Final, where they narrowly lost 5–4 to Liverpool.
Barcelona faced a tactical challenge heading into the match, as key players Sergi Roberto and Luis Suárez were suspended following red cards in the semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid.
The Road to the Final
Both teams navigated challenging brackets to reach the Madrid showdown. Barcelona's path involved dominant displays against Hércules and Athletic Bilbao, and a hard-fought semi-final victory over Celta Vigo.
Alavés mirrored this success with a strong run, overcoming Gimnàstic, Deportivo La Coruña, Alcorcón, and Atlético Madrid to secure their place in the final.
| Round | Barcelona Opponent (Result) | Alavés Opponent (Result) |
|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | Hércules (8–1) | Gimnàstic (6–0) |
| Round of 16 | Athletic Bilbao (4–3) | Deportivo La Coruña (3–3 a) |
| Quarter-finals | Real Sociedad (6–2) | Alcorcón (2–0) |
| Semi-finals | Atlético Madrid (3–2) | Celta Vigo (1–0) |
Match Analysis: A First-Half Decider
The game was largely decided in a frantic first half. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a precise left-footed shot from just outside the penalty area. However, the lead was short-lived; just three minutes later, Théo Hernandez equalized for Alavés with a stunning long-range free-kick.
Barcelona regained control in the closing moments of the first half. Neymar restored the lead in the 45th minute, finishing a low cross from André Gomes. The momentum shifted decisively in stoppage time (45+3') when Paco Alcácer scored the third goal after a brilliant run and flick by Messi that bypassed three defenders.
The second half remained scoreless, ensuring a 3–1 victory for Barcelona. Messi was named Man of the Match, contributing a goal, an assist, and creating another scoring opportunity.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Record-Breaking Performances
The final was a milestone for two of football's greatest talents. Neymar equaled Ferenc Puskás' record by scoring in three consecutive Copa del Rey finals. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi became only the second player in the history of the competition to score in four different finals, trailing only Telmo Zarra, who scored in five.
Aftermath and Qualifications
By winning the trophy, Barcelona earned a spot in the 2017 Supercopa de España against Real Madrid. While the victory also granted them a place in the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League group stage, Barcelona had already qualified for the UEFA Champions League via their league position. Consequently, the Europa League spot was passed to Real Sociedad, who finished sixth in the league.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Man of the Match in the 2017 Copa del Rey final?
Lionel Messi was named Man of the Match for his pivotal role in the victory, scoring one goal and contributing to the other two.
Which records were broken or equaled during the match?
Neymar equaled Ferenc Puskás' record of scoring in three consecutive finals, and Lionel Messi became the second player ever to score in four different Copa del Rey finals.
Why did Real Sociedad qualify for the Europa League instead of Barcelona?
Although Barcelona won the cup, they had already secured a Champions League spot through their La Liga standing, allowing the Europa League berth to go to the sixth-placed team, Real Sociedad.
Who were the goalscorers for Alavés?
Théo Hernandez scored the lone goal for Alavés via a long-range free-kick in the 33rd minute.
Which Barcelona players missed the final due to suspension?
Sergi Roberto and Luis Suárez were unable to play after being sent off in the semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid.