Lionel Messi's goal record and other jaw-dropping Barcelona statistics in the Copa del Rey

David Cooper - Writer 12:00 09/02/2018
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  • There’s no disputing it – Barcelona are the Kings of the King’s Cup.

    It was fitting that Philippe Coutinho got off the mark for Barcelona in the semi-final victory against Valencia on Thursday night as the Copa del Rey is the gift that keeps on giving to the Catalans.

    We’ve plucked out a few of the numbers that demonstrate just how dominant Barcelona are, and why Sevilla should be concerned when they meet in the Copa del Rey final on April 21.

    2013

    The last time that Barcelona did not make the final of the Copa del Rey, and you’d have to go back to 2010 for the last time they failed to at least make the semi-final stage. Five successive finals had never before been achieved in the competition’s 114-year history.

    47

    Career goals for Lionel Messi in the Copa del Rey though it’s good enough for only ninth among the competition’s top goal-scorers.

    There are a few obvious targets he will be aiming to surpass in the final, with former Real Madrid hero Santillana just one ahead.

    And then there’s a couple of early La Liga pioneers, Hungary-born duo Laszlo Kubala and Ferenc Puskas, tantalisingly perched on 49.

    4

    Should Barca triumph against Sevilla it would be their fourth Copa del Rey title in a row – a feat only accomplished by Real (1905-1908) and Athletic Club (1930-1933) so far.

    Andres Iniesta,  Messi, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique will be out to secure their fifth Copa del Rey success overall. The record-holder, Athletic’s Piru Gainza, sits on seven.

    Up for the Copa: Andres Iniesta is used to celebrating success in the Copa del Rey.

    Up for the Copa: Andres Iniesta is used to celebrating success in the Copa del Rey.

    29

    Barca have lifted the Copa del Rey 29 times in their history – six clear of second-most successful club Athletic and 10 ahead of Real Madrid. A 30th title is now in their sights.

    Given that Athletic have not even reached a final since 1984 – in which time Barca have got their hands on the silverware on nine occasions – it’s fair to say they won’t be caught any time soon.

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