Lionel Messi is the real king of Spain and other things learned

Sport360 staff 11:12 28/05/2017
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  • Barcelona beat Alaves 3-1 in the Copa del Rey final to win the trophy for a third successive year and end their disappointing season on a high note.

    Here, we take a look at five things we learned from the final game to be played at Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Calderon home.

    LUIS ENRIQUE FINISHES A WINNER

    It was fitting that Luis Enrique should capture silverware in his final game in charge of Barcelona.

    Having delivered a first season treble and a LaLiga and cup double 12 months later, Luis Enrique risked leaving the Nou Camp empty-handed after a disappointing campaign.

    But the ninth trophy of his reign was lifted as Barcelona emulated their own achievement by becoming the first team since the early 1950s to win three consecutive Copa del Reys.

    After a combined 11 years of service as a player and boss, it was a pleasing way to bid farewell – and Enrique even departs with a healthier win ratio than a certain Pep Guardiola.

    MESSI IS THE REAL KING OF SPAIN

    Felipe VI of Spain was present for the King’s Cup showpiece in the capital and faced a frosty reception with both Alaves and Barcelona located in regions not opposed to the idea of separatism.

    So step forward Lionel Messi, the football king of Spain.

    Barcelona might have missed out on a hat-trick of LaLiga titles this season, but there is no sign of Messi’s majesty fading.

    His 54th goal of the season set Barcelona on their way to their 29th Copa del Rey triumph – a record – and maintained his record of the Catalans never having lost a final in which he has scored.

    If that was good, his dribble and perfectly-timed pass to set up Paco Alcacer for the third goal took the breath away.

    PACO PROVES A USEFUL UNDERSTUDY

    Luis Suarez’s suspension might have given Alaves hope of springing a surprise, with one third of Barcelona’s MSN strike force missing.

    But Alcacer has shown himself to be a useful alternative during his limited first-team opportunities this term.

    The Spanish forward made only six starts in the LaLiga season just finished, but he scored six goals in revealing a calmness in his finishing.

    That ability came to the fore again when he was released by Messi deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half.

    Alcacer did not blink as he slipped the ball past Fernando Pacheco, a finish which left Barcelona with one hand on the trophy.

    MADRID SEEMS MADE FOR ALAVES PAIR

    Two contributors to Alaves’ successful season seem set to be gracing the Bernabeu next season.

    Marcos Llorente is a Real Madrid player, and his Alaves loan spell has been a resounding success.

    The 22-year-old has highlighted his qualities all season and is expected to challenge the Brazilian defensive midfielder Casemiro for a first-team spot at Real next season.

    Real are also expected to meet Theo Hernandez’s buy-out clause at Atletico Madrid, with a €30million move reportedly in the pipeline.

    The way the on-loan Hernandez struck with a sensational first-half free-kick suggests he could be a bargain even at that price.

    THE VICENTE CALDERON WILL BE MISSED

    Atletico’s Vicente Calderon stadium played host to its final game after 51 memorable years.

    Many of Atletico’s opponents might not agree, but the end of the road for this famous old ground is a sad moment for football.

    The stadium, which holds just short of 55,000 people, is one of the most atmospheric in Europe and has stayed true to Atletico’s working-class roots.

    Although not as grand as some stadiums in Spain, it has always had a special feel about it.

    Hopefully Atletico’s new 70,000-capacity Wanda Metropolitano home will capture the spirit of the Calderon.

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