A goal from defender Jordi Alba in the first period of extra time and a strike from Neymar in the 123rd minute gave Barca a 2-0 win over Sevilla in the Spanish King’s Cup final to complete their second league and cup double in two years.
Good morning Barça Fans! #CampionsFCBhttps://t.co/OnUPmmaOtS
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 23, 2016
It was far from a typical performance from Barca, who had to play for 55 minutes with a player less than their rivals, but showed their resilient side when things looked their most difficult.
The first half saw lots of frantic activity but few clear chances apart from a Luis Suarez snapshot which went wide and a long range effort from Dani Alves for Barcelona, while at the other end Sergio Escudero’s whipped cross had to be scrambled clear by Barca keeper, Ter Stegen, and Coke sliced wide when he could have done better.
We are the Champions! https://t.co/3w19vhucco #copaFCB #campionsFCB
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 22, 2016
The game changed dramatically 10 minutes before the break when Barca were reduced to 10 men after Javier Mascherano was sent off for pulling down Sevilla striker Kevin Gameiro when he was the last defender.
Ever Banega saw Stegen tip the resulting free kick over the bar while Sergio Busquets dropped into defense for Barca, before Jeremy Mathieu replaced Ivan Rakitic at the start of the second half.
Playing against 10 men Sevilla started the second half brightly and Banega rattled the Barca post from outside of the area before things went from bad to worse for Barca as Luis Suarez had to be replaced by Rafinha after injuring his right hamstring.
Barca were on the back foot as Sevilla scented victory as the Catalans lost possession time and again to Sevilla’s incessant pressure, which was kept at bay partly by a magnificent display by Barca defender Gerard Pique.
The game evened out in the 89th minute when Banega was sent off for bringing down Neymar, who had been put through on goal by Messi.
GOAALLLL! Jordi Alba puts Barça ahead!!!!!!! 1-0 to the blaugranes!!! #FCBlive #CopaFCB pic.twitter.com/9Bc8xZbyOt
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 22, 2016
Barca took the lead six minutes into the second half from full back Alba, whose left foot shot beat Sergio Rico on his far post after another brilliant Messi pass.
Rico then saved Sevilla three times with stops to deny Messi, Pique and Dani Alves as Barca cast off their second half shackles and looked to kill off the game.
GOAAALLLLLL! A second for Barça! Neymar the scorer!!!! #FCBlive #CopaFCB pic.twitter.com/FfrEMfhujE
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 22, 2016
The second period of extra time tested the endurance of all of the players and also the referee, who needed treatment for a muscle problem, but Neymar confirmed Barca’s title with the time up following yet another pass from Messi.