Both FC Barcelona and Sevilla have the chance to end their seasons on a high note when they face each other in the Spanish Kings Cup final in the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid.
Spanish BBVA Primera Liga champions, Barcelona will go into the final as favorites against Sevilla, who on Wednesday claimed their third successive Europa League crown with a 3-1 win over Liverpool.
Barca have had all week to prepare for the game, while Sevilla’ s match on Wednesday was followed by celebrations on Thursday, meaning that Unai Emery’ s men only began to prepare for the match on Friday.
This will be the second final the two sides have played this season after they kicked off the campaign with a 5-4 thriller which saw Barcelona win the European Supercup back in August.
It won’ t be the last time they play a final either as Barca’ s Spanish league title means they are destined to meet in the Spanish Supercup at the start of next season as well.
Barca coach Luis Enrique will play the side which helped Barca win the last five games of the season, scoring 24 goals while not conceding any. Javier Mascherano, who was forced to limp out of the last game of the season, has recovered from a slight injury and will partner Gerard Pique in defense.
Meanwhile Leo Messi, Luis Suarez, who ended the season with 40 league goals, and Neymar will lead the Barca attack ahead of a midfield containing, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and former Sevilla player Ivan Rakitic, who has said he will not celebrate if he scores against the side which “has a place” in his heart.
Sevilla boss Unai Emery will bring Sergio Rico back in goal for the Cup final, while he is forced to make at least one change in defense as Timothee Kolodziejczak is suspended after being sent off for insulting the referee in Bilbao last weekend.
Barca will feel their fresher legs should make them favorites to complete an impressive double on Sunday night, but Sevilla fans will be hoping the morale from Wednesday’ s European triumph will help them forget their tiredness for another 90 minutes.