Finally The Wait Is Over, FC Barcelona wins The Copa Del Rey

FC Barcelona - 4, Bilbao - 1

FC Barcelona ended their two year droght of silverware with an emphatic win against Athletic Bilbao at the Mestalla. Yesterday's triump also ends a eleven year wait for the "Copa Del Rey" title. The last time FC Barcelona won the cup Guardiola was a team member and it might be destiny that this has to be his first title as FC Barcelona coach. FC Barcelona almost won the La Liga title last week but only to throw away the match against Villareal. May be this explains why we didn't win it last week, but we surely will win it this week. Now only Manchester United stands in Barca's way of an unprecedented treble. Athletic Bilbao went ahead in the ninth minute but FC Barcelona equalled through Toure in the first half. Then Messi, Bojan and Xavi all scored for Barca in the second half to get hold of their first silverware of this season. Guardiola started with a very strong side dor the final. As is the case in King's cup, Pinto kept the goal. Puyol and Alves played the full backs role whereas Toure and Pique formed the central defense. Xavi, Keita and Busquets formed an ultra slow midfield. Messi, Eto and Bojan formed the front trio.

FC Barcelona started the match slowly. Actually the midfield of Keita and Busquets were contributing to it. Athletic showed more aggression in the opening phase and was rewarded by a goal when Toquero headed home from a corner in teh 8th minute. Barca's response took some time, again Keita and Busqutes were slowing down the pace and creativity from the middle. Bojan and Eto both had decent chances in the first 25 minutes but held on to the ball for more than necessary and gave the defense chances to close down. Barca were going nowhere when an inspirational Toure ran with the ball getting past some defenders and then shot low from 30 yards out beating the goal keeper in the 22nd minute. That equaliser suddenly woke up Barca and But Barca cannot convert their dominance into goal in the rest of first half.

FC Barcelona started excellently in the second half. Messi particularly troubled the defense with his silky runs. In the 55th minute Eto's shot was blocked by goal keeper, but Messi fired the rebound through the defense. Then in the 58th minute Messi placed the ball to Bojan; Bojan continued his run and produced an exquisite finish to put Barca 3-1 ahead. Then in the 64th minute Xavi, who has been Barca's best player on the pitch, finished the match as a contest with a well taken free kick. Barca reduced their intensity after the fourth goal but still saw Eto, Hleb and Alves going close to scoring the fifth.

In the end Barca, it has to be said that Barca deserved the title for the spectacular showing they put up on the pitch. They were well ahead of their rivals, especially in the second half. Guardiola might have given up how his central defense will look in the Champions League final. BUt what worries me most is his persistence of putting Keita and Busquets together in the midfield. Bojan had a good game and as I said in the preview should be given the start in Rome if Henry is not available. Messi had a good game and should now be primed to gather all the individual awards next year. Champions League is a big task but for the time being that can be in the back seet. This is a moment for all Barca fans to celebrate as this is our first trophy is two years. Let's all hope this Cop Del Rey victory is only a sample of good thing that are going to come next in thise and coming seasons.

First Final of the Season; Copa Del Rey Final Preview

Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona are the two clubs which can boast of maximum Copa Del Rey victory in the history of the tournament. FC Barcelona has won the cup 24 times whereas Athletic lies just behind with 23 victories. For FC Barcelona there inability to close out La Liga last week means this is their chance to win the first silverware of this season. But most of Barca players has been deprived of rest in last match and the majority of stars who will start this final are deprived of any match time. How much these two factors are going to affect the performance has to be seen. But for players like Gudjohnsen, Hleb and Bojan it is the best way to showcase their talent and probably book a starting place in Champions League final in Rome, especially with Henry being in doubt. This is one trophy which we had been missing for almost 11 years. The last time when we won it, Guardiola was still a player at FC Barcelona. It is very difficult for players to suddenly forge a partnership and then prove themselves. Hence this will be more tough than what we all have expected it to be.

Mean while Athletic Bilbao has prepared well for the final with a home win against Real Betis. That victory made sure that they will stay out of relegation zone this season. To top it all they were able to rest majority of their stars. Andoni Iraola, Aitor Ocio, Koikili Lertxundi, Javi Martinez, Pablo Orbaiz, Fran Yeste and Fernando Llorente were all left out of the squad altogether. Guardiola would be giving some of the cup regulars a start for this final. The attacking trio most probably would be made of Messi, Eto and Bojan. Keita, Busquets and Xavi should form the midfield. Alves who is destined to miss the Champions League final surely should start. Sylvinho as is the case with Copa Del Rey matches should occupy the left back role. Caceres and Pique would be the ideal choice at central defense infront of Pinto. As I said earlier this one is going to be a very tough battle. But the dissappointment at the weekend should drive the players. Bojan who has a great chance to book his place in teh Champions League final. Keita also do stand a good chance. So both these player should be motivated to perform to their best. I predict a 2-1 victory for Barcelona.

Andres Iniesta Expected to be Fit for Champions League Final

Ok, for all the Barca fans who had their fingers crossed while Iniesta had further tests today can relax for the time being now. According to Sport.es there is a high possibility of the player being fit for the finals against Manchester United. The report suggests that the injury is not as serious as one thought. The tests confirmed that Iniesta has suffered only a small tear to the muscle in his right leg and that he will be able to recover quickly. There is no official confirmation from the club website but if we go by the Thierry Henry injury report by Sport.es, we may have a strong reason to believe this. Andres Iniesta has been an integral part of this dream team of Guardiola. He undoubtedly has been the star of the show in recent months and his performances and his consistency has seen fans placing him along with Messi.

The rest could come as a boon for Iniesta who has been playing non-stop football after he returned back from a similiar injury. That absence of Iniesta coincided with Barca's bad form and that explains how essential is the player for Barca. Iniesta will miss the Copa Del Rey final on wednesday and will miss the rest of the three league matches. If things go well we might see him getting some playing time against Deportivo, the last league game of this season. This news definitely is a huge relief for Guardiola and Barca fans. There is a high chance that we will miss Henry for the showdown match and hence we cannot afford to lose Iniesta.