FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.05.2009 16:07

The King of Cups in numbers

David Puig

The Copa del Rey is over and its time to look back. It really has been an amazing cup run for the team, with Pinto, Alves, Busquets and Bojan particularly to thank.

Barça have won a quarter of a century of cup titles , and this season have been simply stunning in the competition, as well as maintaining good form in the league and in Europe. In their nine cup ties, Barça won 7 and drew the other two. The finest results included a 3-1 win at the Vicente Calderón against Atlético Madrid, and a 1-1 draw at the Ono Estadio in Mallorca which sealed their place in Valencia.

Great attack; excellent defence

In terms of goals, Guardiola’s side was on target 17 times, an average of 1.8 goals a game. But that is nothing compared to their league form, where they have an amazing average of 2.9 goals a game.

Things are even more solid at the back. Barça leaked just six goals in the cup, 0.6 a game, fewer than they have in the league, 0.8 a game.

Pinto makes most appearances

José Manuel Pinto started every cup game , and performed impeccably. One of his finest moments was the penalty save from Mallorca’s Martí at the Ono Estadi, which would have made it 2-0 to the home side. It was that save that ensured Barça went into the final in Valencia.

Alves, Busquets and Bojan

By positions, Alves played the most minutes in defence, 742. The Brazilian started eight games and provided two goal assists.

The only midfielder to play in every cup game was Sergio Busquets, starting all eleven and playing a total of 782 minutes.

Finally, Bojan Krkic was the busiest defender in the cup. He started every game, totalling 753 minutes and scoring 5 goals, one short of the top scorer Messi.