13.05.2010 10:45
Cup win started historic run
Edgar Fornós
On May 13, 2009 FC Barcelona won the Copa del Rey to mark coach Pep Guardiola's first trophy success in charge and that triumph paved the way for the all-conquering six-cup haul that made history.
Exactly one year ago in Valencia's Mestalla stadium the Blaugrana won the domestic cup competition
for the first time in eleven seasons only seven days after booking their place in the Champions
League final with a late, late winning goal in the semi final at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
In the league Villarreal had held Barça to a 3-3 draw in Camp Nou, but that stumble did not stop
the Catalan side from going on to great things.
Four goals
The final of the Copa del Rey against Athletic Club de Bilbao will be remembered for
the superb comeback by FC Barcelona, for the fervent support and for the way that both sets of fans
stood together in a show of unity. Gaizka Toquero put the Basque outfit ahead, but goals from Touré
Yaya, Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic and Xavi saw Barça run out as 4-1 winners.
Fan zone
Around 18,000 FC Barcelona fans travelled south for the game and were able to enjoy a party
atmosphere in the build-up as they mingled with Athletic supporters outside the ground. After the
match the celebrations went on long into the night as the thoughts of a unique treble started to
become a reality.
Valencia to Abu Dhabi
Months later Guardiola's tears on the pitch in the Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi came as the
dream of winning all six trophies in a calendar year happened. Barça became world champions after
winning the Copa del Rey, the league, the Champions League and both the Spanish and European Super
Cups.