La Liga 2015/16 champions FC Barcelona face 2015/16 Europa League champions Sevilla in what is expected to be a thrilling Copa del Rey final on Sunday. Both teams will approach this fixture with confidence especially after winning major titles over the past few days.
When the two sides last met earlier this season, Vitolo had put the visitors one goal up but goals from Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique wrapped up all the three points for Los Blaugrana.
Pique celebrates his winner against Sevilla on February 28th, 2016.
The game was characterized by some beautiful defending on Sevilla’s side, and it took Messi’s effort at the edge of the box to find the back of the net through a perfectly-curled free-kick. Before that, the famous MSN trio had been kept out of the visitors’ box for the better part of the game. The fact that Pique, of all other players, had to rescue the hosts speaks volume about Los Rojiblancos' ability to defend and pounce on their opponents through quick counter-attacks.
Therefore, fans should expect a quick but rather careful game on Sunday. The same tactic was evident when Unai Emery's men played Liverpool in the final of the Europa League last Wednesday. The Spanish side caught The Reds defence napping several times and shocked them with three second-half goals, despite trailing 1-0 before the break.
Coke (middle) celebrates his brace against Liverpool in the final of the Europa League in Basel
Team news
Barcelona
Luis Enrique's men could play this final match of the Spanish season without their first-choice goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who is still injured. He could be replaced by Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Dani Alves should start at the right back, while Lionel Messi, Neymar and Suarez are expected to lead the hunt for goals up front.
Sevilla
Benoit Tremoulinas and Adil Rami are doubtful for this game. Liverpool’s tormentor-in-chief Coke should start at the right midfield as Kevin Gameiro leads the attack.
Quick facts
- This fixture has registered over 2.5 goals over the last nine meetings
- Barca have not lost any of their last 17 Copa del Rey matches
- Barca have found the back of the net at least twice in nine of their last 10 games against Sevilla in all competitions
- Barca have not lost to Sevilla in their last nine games at the Nou Camp
- Sevilla have not lost any of their last nine Copa del Rey matches
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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