valencia
Valencia have won the Copa del Rey
Barcelona were denied an unprecedented fifth successive Copa del Rey crown as they lost 2-1 to Valencia in Saturday’s final, heaping the pressure on under-fire coach Ernesto Valverde. Having had a realistic chance at a treble just a few weeks ago, Barca finish the season with only the league title to show for their efforts, a situation likely to increase Valverde’s unpopularity among supporters. Barca were way off their best in the first half at the Benito Villamarin and deservedly found themselves trailing 2-0 at the break, as Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo Moreno clinically punished the defending champions. Valverde’s men pushed forward desperately after the break and Lionel Messi pulled one back shortly after being denied by the post, but their dominance proved futile as Va...
Arsenal wins 3-1, and already looks at the final.
London and the Emirates stadium were ready for a European night of football, and Arsenal and Valencia did not want to disappoint the fans. Both teams offered a great show, with direct and vibrant football during the 90 plus minutes. The game started really well for Valencia. Valencia’s coach Marcelino surprised everybody with the 6 defenders he put on the field at the beginning of the game. Arsenal’s squad did not know how to react and Valencia looked very confortable, stealing the ball with ease and creating chances with counterattacks. In the 9th minute Diakhaby jumped over the defenders to put the ball inside the net for the 0-1. The initiative of the game did not change until Lacazette’s goal in the 18th minute. This goal gave Arsenal courage to start moving the ball ...