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Athletic Bilbao logo
Copa del Rey | Final
May 30, 2015 at 8.30pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

1-3

Williams (79')
FT(HT: 0-2)
Messi (20', 74'), Neymar (36')

Live Commentary: Athletic Bilbao 1-3 Barcelona - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live commentary of the Copa del Rey as Lionel Messi inspires Barcelona to a 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou.
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The 2015 Copa del Rey final pitted Athletic Bilbao against Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona led 2-0 at the interval courtesy of goals from Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Bilbao improved at the start of the second period, but Messi's second in the 74th minute put the game to bed.

Inaki Williams scored a late consolation for Bilbao, who were second best on the night.

Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.


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Evening all! Sports Mole's live coverage continues from the Camp Nou as Athletic Bilbao face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. There is no question that Barca will enter as the favourites, but Bilbao are the second-most successful team in this competition. It promises to be a wonderful night of football!

Just a reminder that kickoff is not until 8.30pm (UK time) this evening, but be sure to remain with us for all the very best build-up. The team news is expected to land in around 40 minutes and the main talking point from Barcelona's side will be whether Luis Suarez is fit enough to start. Bilbao will be without the suspended Oscar de Marcos, but otherwise have pretty much a full squad available.

Barcelona are the most successful team in the history of the Copa del Rey having won the competition on 26 occasions – the last of which came in 2012, when they beat Bilbao in the final. The Catalan outfit also made the 2014 final, but were beaten by Real Madrid in incredible circumstances. They have reached 36 Copa finals during their history and won 26, which is some record it must be said.

Bilbao, somewhat surprisingly, are the second-most successful team in the Copa del Rey. The Basque side have won this competition on 23 occasions – four more times than Real Madrid. That said, their last success came way back in 1984. As mentioned, they did reach the final in 2012, but were beaten 3-0 by Barcelona courtesy of a goals from Pedro (2) and a certain Lionel Messi.

In truth, the 2012 final between these two teams was extremely one-sided and Barcelona were three goals ahead by the 25th minute in Madrid, which made it a disappointing game for the neutral. On paper, Barca are once again the strong favourites to complete a double tonight, but Bilbao have been in strong form over the last couple of months. Let's just hope for an entertaining game in Barcelona.

In terms of the more recent meetings between the two teams, Barcelona have won three of the last five games in all competitions, with Bilbao also winning once and the further game ending with a share of the spoils. During the 2014-15 season, the pair met twice in the league and Barca were victorious on both occasions – 2-0 at the Camp Nou back in September and 5-2 at San Mames in March.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi vies with Athletic Bilbao's French defender Aymeric Laporte during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club Bilbao at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on September 13, 2014© Getty Images


Both teams completed their La Liga campaigns last weekend, with Barcelona, who won the title against Atletico Madrid on May 17, signing-off with a 2-2 draw at home to Deportivo La Coruna. Luis Enrique's side ultimately finished top of the Spanish table on 94 points – two clear of second-place Real Madrid. The Catalan outfit won 30 of their 38 league matches, drawing four and also losing four.

Barca were not actually the top scorers in the league despite registering 110 times - with Real Madrid scoring 118, but they only conceded 21, which was, as expected, comfortably the best defensive record in the league. It is no surprise that they found the back of the net so freely, but Enrique has really tightened things up at the back. They already have one trophy in the bag, but can make that a double this evening and a treble when they face Juventus in the Champions League final on June 6.

Bilbao, meanwhile, ended their La Liga season with a thumping 4-0 win over Villarreal last weekend. Ernesto Valverde's side went on a seven-game unbeaten run at the end of the campaign – winning four times – to snatch seventh position and a Europa League spot in the process. They won 15 of their 38 league games, drawing 10 and losing 13. The team news from the Camp Nou is said to be imminent...

BREAKING TEAM NEWS! Luis Suarez is indeed fit to start for Barcelona tonight, with the Uruguay international selected alongside Messi and Neymar. As for Bilbao, Inaki Williams starts in attack alongside the Basque club's leading scorer Aritz Aduriz. Full lineups for both sides will follow...

TEAMS:

BILBAO: Herrerin; Bustinza, Laporte, Etxeita, Balenziaga; Iraola, San Jose, Benat, Rico, Williams; Aduriz

BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic; Neymar, Suarez, Messi


So there we have it. As mentioned, Bilbao are without the suspended Oscar de Marcos, meaning that there is a spot on the right of midfield for Andoni Iraola, who is set to play his last game for the club tonight. There is also a place in the team for Unai Bustinza at right-back, while Williams will provide support to the lone frontman Aduriz, who has scored 24 goals in 37 appearances this season.

As for Barcelona, it is arguably the Catalan outfit's strongest XI. Suarez is fit to replace Pedro, while all the big-hitters are back in midfield. Marc-Andre ter Stegen also replaces Claudio Bravo between the sticks. Injuries permitting, this will also be the team that starts the Champions League final.

Right, with the team news now confirmed - let's take a look at how both teams made it to this stage of the competition, starting with Bilbao. Valverde's side opened their campaign with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Alcoyano back in December and their reward for that success was a clash with fellow La Liga side Celta Vigo in the round of 16, which was a tough draw at that stage of the competition.

Bilbao recorded a 4-2 victory at Celta in the first leg and despite losing the second leg 2-0 at home, progressed into the quarter-finals on away goals. Malaga were waiting in the final eight and the tie was delicately poised following a 0-0 draw in the first leg at La Rosaleda. The second leg was equally as tight, but a second-half effort from the excellent Aduriz saw Bilbao's Copa del Rey journey continue.

Athletic Club Bilbao's Aritz Aduriz celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Atletico Madrid during their Copa del Rey match on January 29, 2014© AFP


Espanyol were Bilbao's opponents in the semi-finals and the Barcelona-based team managed to secure a 1-1 draw at San Mames in the first leg to make them the favourites ahead of the return. Bilbao again showed their metal, however, to record an incredible 2-0 victory in Barcelona and book their spot in the final. That was particularly painful for Espanyol, who knew that great rivals Barcelona were the team waiting in the final. The atmosphere is really building with kickoff just 45 minutes away.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have won all eight games en route to the Copa final. Enrique's side made seriously light work of Huesca back in December, with the lower-league side dispatched 12-1 on aggregate, which included an 8-0 victory in the second leg at the Camp Nou. Elche were waiting in the last-16 stage, and Barca thumped their fellow La Liga side 9-0 on aggregate to make the quarter-finals.

Atletico Madrid were Barcelona's opponents in the quarter-final stage and a 1-0 victory in the first leg at the Camp Nou handed the Catalan outfit a slight advantage. Barca then won the second leg 3-2 in impressive fashion to book their spot in the semi-finals, but their final-four opponents Villarreal were in the middle of a sensational run of form when the pair met for the first leg in February.

Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar celebrates after scoring his second goal during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) quarter final second leg football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs FC Barcelona at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on January© Getty Images


Villarreal lost 3-1 at the Camp Nou in the first leg, however, before the same scoreline occurred, again in Barca's favour, at El Madrigal at the start of March. In truth, Enrique's side have absolutely breezed into the final of this tournament and on their own patch, will be keen to secure their second major trophy of the season. Can Bilbao upset the form book this evening? It is a seriously tough task.

To be blunt, Barcelona's form in 2015 has been quite sensational. They have played 34 games across three separate competitions since the turn of the year and won 29 of them. As mentioned, they have been excellent at the back, but it would not be right to talk about this team without mentioning the front three, who have all had wonderful seasons. The numbers between them are just stunning.

Messi has made 50 appearances for Barca this season, scoring 56 goals and registering 23 assists. Neymar has 37 goals and seven assists in 44 games, while Suarez has netted 24 goals and registered 17 assists in 36 games. That is a combined total of 117 goals for the season. Are they the best front three of all time? Trophies will need to arrive on a consistent basis for that to be proved correct, but they certainly have the potential to be given that accolade. It is up to Bilbao to stop them tonight.

Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrate during the La Liga match against Atletico Madrid on January 11, 2015© AFP


It has been said that Barca boss Enrique could actually walk away from the club this summer if he wins the treble, with a host of behind-the-scenes issues still unresolved. That said, whatever way you look at it, Enrique has had a stunning first season in charge. As mentioned, Barca still have the Champions League final to come against Juventus on June 6. One trophy down, two to go for the Catalan side.

Bilbao, on the other hand, have had a bit of a mixed campaign. They have lost just two of their last 15 games in all competitions, however, with a strong end to the season seeing them finish seventh in La Liga. They might well have finished higher, but a disappointing spell at the start of the year saw them win just two from 11 in all competitions. Valverde has got his team playing some super stuff.

It is also easy to forget that Bilbao actually competed in the Champions League this season. They beat Napoli over two legs in qualifying to make the group stages, but only won two of their six matches.

That said, back-to-back victories in their last two group games saw Bilbao finish third and therefore earn a spot in the Europa League. Their journey came to an end before it really started, however, with Torino winning their last-32 clash 5-4 on aggregate. It was largely a European campaign to forget.

The atmosphere is really building ahead of kickoff now...


PREDICTION! This is a final and after all, anything can happen. However, I am finding it very difficult to back against Barcelona, especially with the game being held at the Camp Nou. It might be tight for spells, but I fully expect Enrique's team to claim the trophy. Score? Let's go for 3-1 Barcelona.

"He is very good in the air and has a very good goal-scoring record. He is a terrific goal-scorer," Real Sociedad boss David Moyes has just told Sky Sports News when asked about just how important Aduriz is to this Bilbao team. One thing is for certain, Aduriz has had a wonderful campaign.

Little over five minutes until kickoff this evening and the atmosphere is really building. The Bilbao supporters have travelled in their numbers and are creating a sensational noise inside the stadium.

Here we go then. Both sets of players are just about to join us on the field at the Camp Nou. Plenty of respect in the tunnel between both teams, but battle faces are now on. If Bilbao are to stand a chance of claiming the trophy this evening then you just get the feeling that they will need to start well.

These are the two most successful teams in the history of this competition. A season of work in the Copa del Rey comes down to this one game. It is Bilbao that get the first 45 minutes underway.

As expected, Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the early moments, with the two centre-backs enjoying plenty of touches. Bilbao will have to remain patient in the early exchanges.

The noise inside this stadium is just stunning. Bilbao are actually the home team tonight, but we are of course playing at the Camp Nou. Inaki Williams has been Bilbao's biggest threat in the early moments, but a bright period of play from the Basque side comes to an end when Aduriz fells Mascherano.

The referee has let a number of challenges go in the early moments, which is only adding to the temperature in the stands and indeed on the pitch. It has been an explosive start to this game.

Half-chance for Bilbao as Rico breaks down the left before delivering a super cross towards the far post, but Aduriz and Williams almost get in each other's way and the former heads well wide.

It has been a really bright start from Bilbao, with the Basque outfit taking the game to Barcelona in the opening eight minutes. We have not seen too much from the likes of Messi, Suarez and Neymar yet.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net as Messi floats a wonderful pass into Neymar, who volleys into the bottom corner. However, the flag was raised. That was some finish from the Brazilian. Moments before, a mix up in the Barca defence almost allowed Williams in!

CHANCE! Barcelona again come close to scoring as Rakitic slides a super pass into Suarez, who attempts to finish across Iago, but it is a wonderful save from the Bilbao stopper! Tempo has risen!

Rico is almost playing in a wide left position for Bilbao tonight, which is very interesting to see. Williams is also playing right up alongside Aduriz, who is occupying the two Barcelona centre-backs.

The tempo has really risen in the last couple of minutes, with Barcelona making their presence known in the final third. It has been a really excellent opening 15 minutes to the 2015 Copa del Rey final.

Possession football from Barcelona in the last few moments, but credit to Bilbao, they are keeping things very tight at the back. The referee is also more than prepared to let the game flow, which is creating a real tempo on the field of play. Still goalless with 18 minutes on the clock tonight.

San Jose flys into Neymar and the Barcelona camp call for a booking, but the referee is not interested. The first yellow card will surely soon arrive. Next big challenge will more than likely bring a card.

GOAL! Bilbao 0-1 Barcelona (Messi)

OH MY GOOD GRIEF! Messi, take a bow. It is just sensational as the Argentine dribbles around about five players before rattling his effort into the bottom corner. It was like a kid in the playground. Sometimes you just have to stand and applaud. Messi, that is just absolutely delightful. Wow.

What can you say about that goal? Messi just toyed with the entire Bilbao team. Bilbao will need to show character and spirit to remain in this match. Barcelona will be looking for a second goal now.

I still have not got over that Messi goal. I will, just give me time. In truth, Bilbao have not really featured since the goal went in, with Barcelona simply popping the ball around in the final third.

CHANCE! Barcelona come close to scoring a second as Suarez drives down the right before delivering a low cross into Neymar, but Iago is on hand to make a super block. All Barca here!

CHANCES! Yet another chance for Barcelona as Pique meets a deep free kick, but Iago is on hand to make a quite wonderful save. That is excellent goalkeeping from the Spaniard. Moments later, Neymar finds himself inside the Bilbao box, but the Brazilian fires wide of the post.

Bilbao just cannot get in the game at the moment as Barcelona continue to dominate possession. Surprisingly, there has still not been a single yellow despite some very tasty challenges indeed.

Williams remains a good outlet for Bilbao as he drives down the right before delivering towards Aduriz, but Mascherano is on hand to make the clearance. Williams then gets himself involved with Alba - there is an underlying ill-feeling in this game, that is for certain. Still no bookings from the referee!

At 1-0, Bilbao will always be in this game, but it is so important that they score the next goal. If Barcelona score a second then it is very difficult to imagine Bilbao launching a response. Neymar and Suarez again threaten for the Catalan outfit, but the former's cross finds Suarez just offside.

GOAL! Bilbao 0-2 Barcelona (Neymar)

Too good, just too good. Barcelona double their lead in the 36th minute as Rakitic slides a wonderful pass into Suarez, who simply crosses for Neymar and the Brazilian cannot miss from close range.

Is that game over? It is difficult to see Bilbao responding from this position.

Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and Bilbao are really in need of a lift here. One goal would at least make it more of a contest, but Barcelona are just so in control of matters.

CROSSBAR! Bilbao come close to registering as Iraola floats a wonderful pass towards Williams, who volleys first time towards goal, but his effort skims the top of the crossbar!

BOOKING! Pique (Barcelona) is booked for a poor challenge on Aduriz.

BOOKING! Iraola (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Suarez.

SAVE! Messi curls the resulting free kick towards the top corner, but Iago flies across his goal to make a wonderful save. Barcelona really could be out of sight at this stage of the match.

HALF-TIME: Bilbao 0-2 Barcelona

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading Bilbao 2-0 courtesy of goals from Messi and Neymar. In truth, it has been an absolute masterclass from Messi, who opened the scoring with one of the all-time great goals in Spanish football. Bilbao's best player has been their goalkeeper, which is an indication of just what has occurred in the first period here.

STATS! Barcelona have utterly dominated the possession with 76%, while they have had eight attempts - six of which have been on target. Bilbao, meanwhile, have had two attempts, but not managed a single shot on target. That said, Inaki Williams did clip the crossbar with a wonderful volley.

BENCH WATCH! Bilbao boss Valverde has plenty of attacking options on his bench this evening, with the likes of Ibai Gomez, Markel Susaeta and Kike Sola all capable of making an impact. Barcelona, meanwhile, have the likes of Rafinha, Xavi, Pedro and Adriano on a star-studded bench.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Bilbao find a route back into the game? It will be very difficult indeed. Barcelona get the second half underway.

No changes from either side at the break, which is not too surprising at this stage of events. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 2-0 for the next 15, 20 minutes here.

Messi sweeps another wonderful pass into Neymar, who drives into the Bilbao box, but Laporte is across to clear at the vital moment. Williams has been Bilbao's biggest threat down the other end and the Under-21 Spain international has already won a couple of free kicks since the interval.

Bilbao need to find a way of making their mark in the final third this evening. They have had bits and pieces, but never enough to trouble Ter Stegen. It remains 2-0 Barcelona with 51 minutes played.

Messi goes down inside the Bilbao box, but the referee is not interested - it was a smart challenge from Laporte. Barcelona remain on the front foot, however, as they continue to pass and probe here.

Better from Bilbao in the last minute or so, with Iraola having one deflected just wide of the post. The resulting corner is worked short before Benat delivers, but Ter Stegen is on hand to claim.

SUB! Barcelona make their first change as Xavi replaces Iniesta. As expected, the noise inside this stadium is stunning. It will be Xavi's final competitive appearance at the Camp Nou.

CHANCE! Suarez comes close to scoring a third for Barcelona after reacting first to a loose ball inside the box, but Etxeita is across to make a really excellent challenge at the vital moment.

SUB! Bilbao make their first change as Susaeta replaces Iraola, who is heading to the MLS this summer. The Spaniard has had a wonderful career for Bilbao that is for certain.

BOOKING! Balenziaga (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Messi.

Little over 30 minutes of normal time remaining here and Barcelona still lead 2-0. It is far from over, but Bilbao really need to start forcing the issue here. Both managers have made one change apiece.

There is still a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium and that is credit to both sets of supporters. Not too much happening on the field at the moment, however, which will be a concern to Bilbao boss Valverde. One goal for Bilbao and it is very much game on. Barcelona are comfortable though.

The Bilbao supporters are going mad here! More going on in the stands than on the field!

In truth, there is not too much happening on the field at the moment. Bilbao are enjoying more of the ball, but they are struggling to create opportunities. Little over 25 minutes remaining here.

Half-chance for Barcelona as Xavi floats a wonderful pass into Neymar, who cuts inside before trying his luck on goal, but the Brazilian gets it totally wrong and his effort flies out for a goal kick.

BOOKING! Williams (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Rakitic.

Both managers still have two permitted changes remaining and it would not be a surprise to see those made over the next five minutes or so. Bilbao just are not creating enough in the final third here.

Xavi has given Barcelona extra invention in the middle of the park and the Spaniard is at the heart of everything at the moment. Bilbao are struggling to make their mark as time continues to drift past.

Both managers are seemingly preparing more changes as we enter the final 20 minutes here.

GOAL! Bilbao 0-3 Barcelona (Messi)

Barcelona score their third of the match as Alves delivers a low cross towards the near post and Messi is on hand to poke into the bottom corner. It is poor defending from Bilbao, however, with two defenders going to sleep inside the box. I think it is safe to say that Barca are the 2015 Copa champions!

SUBS! Bilbao make a double change as Iturraspe and Ibai replace Rico and Benat.

Barcelona come close to scoring a fourth as Xavi lifts a wonderful pass towards Suarez, but Iago is quick off his line to make the clearance. Mathieu is preparing to enter for Barcelona here.

SUB! Mathieu replaces Alba at left-back for Barcelona.

SUB! Barcelona make another change as Pedro replaces Suarez.

Messi is in his own world once again as the Argentine shows wonderful feet before sliding a pass into Neymar, but the Brazilian was in an offside position. Good grief Messi has been special tonight.

GOAL! Bilbao 1-3 Barcelona (Williams)

Bilbao open their tally for the evening as Williams rises inside the box before heading an Ibai cross the bottom corner. Super finish from the youngster, who has again been really impressive tonight.

In truth, it is not really game on, but it is a special moment for Williams, who now has a cup final goal to his name. This has been an excellent Copa del Rey final and we are not finished tonight.

There is some fight in Bilbao as Inai tests Ter Stegen with a powerful strike from distance.

Another half-chance for Bilbao and indeed Ibai as the Spaniard meets a cross from the right, but his half-volley was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Much better from Bilbao here.

Barcelona have taken their foot off the gas in this second period, there is no question about that. However, time is not on Bilbao's side and it would take some turnaround at this stage of the game.

HANDBAGS! Bilbao are not happy with some perceived show-boating from Neymar and it has all kicked off here. Players on the field, players from both benches! It has turned nasty!

Williams and Etxeita both got themselves involved with Neymar, but the referee did not issue any more bookings. Rico was also involved off the bench. It could be a tasty final few moments here.

BOOKING! Neymar (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Laporte.

BOOKING! Aduriz (Bilbao) is booked for dissent.

Susaeta brings Neymar to the ground just outside the Bilbao box...

BOOKING! Busquets (Barcelona) is booked for dissent.

POST! Xavi curls a free kick towards the top corner, but his effort hits the post!

We are into the third of four additional minutes here and the Barcelona supporters are celebrating wildly. Barcelona are close to securing leg two of a possible treble. The double is almost secure!

Possession football from Barcelona as we approach the final whistle here.

FULL-TIME: Bilbao 1-3 Barcelona

The referee brings the second period to an end and Barcelona are crowned the 2015 Copa del Rey champions. The double is now complete. Next up is the Champions League final against Juventus!

Bilbao improved in the second period, but Barcelona, whose players are celebrating wildly on the field, deserved to claim the title. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to look out for the analysis and player ratings, which will be live before the end of the night. Good evening!

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