2021 Copa del Rey Final: Barcelona's Record-Breaking Victory Over Athletic Bilbao
The 2021 Copa del Rey final marked the 119th edition of Spain's primary football cup, culminating in a dominant performance by FC Barcelona. On 17 April 2021, the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville played host to a historic clash between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao. In a match defined by clinical finishing, Barcelona secured a 4–0 victory, extending their record to a 31st Copa del Rey title.
This encounter was more than just a final; it was the ninth time these two giants of Spanish football had met in a cup final, making it the most played fixture in the history of the Copa del Rey finals.
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Key Facts
- Final Score: Barcelona 4–0 Athletic Bilbao.
- Date: 17 April 2021.
- Venue: Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville.
- Man of the Match: Lionel Messi (Barcelona).
- Attendance: 0 (played behind closed doors due to COVID-19).
- Significance: Barcelona's 31st Copa del Rey title.
The Road to the Final
Barcelona's Dramatic Journey
Barcelona's path to the final was characterized by resilience and late-game heroics. Their campaign included a tense extra-time victory over Cornellà and a narrow escape against second-tier side Rayo Vallecano. One of the most dramatic moments occurred against Granada, where Barcelona recovered from a 2–0 deficit with only three minutes remaining to eventually win 5–3 in extra time.
In the semi-finals, Barcelona faced Sevilla in a two-legged tie. After losing the first leg 2–0 at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, they fought back at Camp Nou. A last-minute equalizer by Gerard Piqué in the fourth minute of stoppage time forced extra time, where Martin Braithwaite scored the decisive goal to send the team to their 42nd final.
Athletic Bilbao's Uncertain Path
Athletic Bilbao also relied on late goals to progress. They overcame UD Ibiza and Alcoyano with last-minute winners and advanced past Real Betis via a perfect penalty shoot-out after forcing extra time in the final seconds of stoppage time.
Their semi-final against Levante followed a similar pattern; after falling behind in both legs, they forced extra time in the second match, eventually winning thanks to a deflected shot from Álex Berenguer. This victory marked Athletic's 39th appearance in a final.
Match Analysis and Result
The final was played under the strict conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning no spectators were permitted in the stadium. Despite the empty stands, the intensity was high, though Barcelona eventually took complete control of the game.
The scoring opened in the 60th minute through Antoine Griezmann, followed quickly by Frenkie de Jong in the 63rd minute. Lionel Messi then sealed the victory with two goals in the 68th and 72nd minutes, earning him the Man of the Match award.
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Match Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Winner | Barcelona (4) |
| Runner-up | Athletic Bilbao (0) |
| Goalscorers (Barça) | Griezmann (60'), De Jong (63'), Messi (68', 72') |
| Referee | Juan Martínez Munuera |
| Venue | La Cartuja, Seville |
Historical Context
The rivalry between these two clubs is deep-rooted. Prior to 2021, Barcelona had won six of their eight previous final meetings (1920, 1942, 1953, 2009, 2012, 2015), while Athletic had won twice (1932, 1984). This 2021 match broke the tie for the most frequent final pairing, surpassing the record previously shared with Athletic vs. Real Madrid.
Interestingly, the two teams had also met in the Supercopa de España final just three months prior at the same venue, where Athletic Bilbao emerged victorious with a 3–2 win after extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Man of the Match in the 2021 Copa del Rey final?
Lionel Messi was named Man of the Match after scoring two goals to help Barcelona secure a 4–0 victory.
Why was there no attendance at the match?
The match was played behind closed doors with zero attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Spain.
How many Copa del Rey titles did Barcelona achieve with this win?
This victory gave Barcelona a record-extending 31st Copa del Rey title.
Which stadium hosted the final?
The final took place at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
Who were the goalscorers for Barcelona?
The goals were scored by Antoine Griezmann, Frenkie de Jong, and Lionel Messi (who scored twice).