FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.02.2009 10:10

Barça seek end semi final jinx

Berta Brau

Barça are about to play their fifth Copa del Rey semi final in ten years. But despite doing well to make it so far so often, each time they have stumbled at the second to last hurdle.

Mallorca are next up on Barça’s impressive cup run. The first leg is on Thursday, and the hope is that the players can finally put an end to a decade of cup disappointments.

Four semis and four defeats

In the last decade, Barça have been drawn to meet Atlético Madrid, Celta, Getafe and Valencia in the final four, and lost every time.

First disappointment against Atlético Madrid

Two years after winning the cup for what is still the last time, in 1999/00 Van Gaal guided his team past Osasuna in the quarter finals. Next up was Atlético Madrid, and the red and whites won the day.

Upset at Balaídos

Next season, Barça were back in the semis, and this time the opposition was Celta. The Galicians played a great game at Balaídos (3-1), Simao scoring the all-important away goal for Barça. But the comeback at the Camp Nou was not to be, only Kluivert scoring in a 1-1 draw.

Getafe on top

Barça’s semi final with Getafe in the 2006/2007 was one of the most memorable cup meetings ever. FCB seemed to have as good as made sure of qualification by winning 5-2 in the first leg, including Messi’s now legendary Maradona-esque goal. The trip to Madrid for the return leg seemed little more than a formality, and Barça’s over-confidence coupled with a stunning performance from the side coached by Bernd Schuster saw Barça go down by a shocking 4-0 at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.

Narrow defeat

Barça were also in the semi finals a year ago, and were just pipped at the post by a solid Valencia side. Xavi scored an epic last-minute equaliser in the home leg, but in the return at Mestalla, luck was not on their side, and they went down 3-2. Goals from Henry and Eto'o were an insufficient response to one from Baraja and a brace from Mata, which sent the Valencians into the cup final, which they would go on to win.