After losing the 2019 Copa del Rey final to Valencia, it’s been awhile (by modern Blaugrana standards) since the Catalans raised a trophy. The man standing in their way in charge of Athletic Club is Marcelino, the same man that led Valencia to the win in 2019.
Now Marcelino is in charge of a team that has done well for themselves in the competition – 23 trophies is second to only Barcelona’s 30, but history reminds us that this is Barça’s trophy to lose. A loss to the Basques in the Spanish Super Cup is a reminder that Iñaki Williams, Raúl García, and company wouldn’t just roll over and Lionel Messi and his squad will need to fight for it.
Barcelona will need to take their chances when they have possession, and be prepared to take some hits. It won’t be Diego Maradona-Andoni Goikoetxea ugly, but it could get nasty. Ronald Koeman does have a stronger squad than he’s had in weeks – Gerard Piqué and Sergi Roberto are fit and ready to play – and the options should be a positive for the Dutch manager.
All that said – enjoy this deep dive from almost two years ago about just how dominant FC Barcelona has been in their Copa del Rey history.
For one final preview, Dan co-hosts The Locker Room on FC Barcelona’s YouTube and Twitch channels!
