Barca remain on course

Barcelona remain on course for a potential trophy treble this season after coming from behind to secure a 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey.

The UEFA Champions League finalists and Primera Liga leaders could now record a historic campaign after goals from Yaya Toure, Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic and Xavi helped secure the trophy for the first time in more than a decade.

Gaizka Toquero had given Bilbao a shock lead in the early in the first half, but Pep Guardiola's side came roaring back to succeed in style at the Mestalla Stadium.

Barcelona were without Andres Iniesta and Thierry Henry through injury so the talented Bojan, 18, started the final.

Suspended

In defence, Carles Puyol switched to left-back to replace the suspended Eric Abidal while midfielder Toure was deployed at centre-half.

The last time these two sides met in the final was back in 1984 when Bilbao won 1-0 at the Bernabeu.

If Barcelona have a weakness it is undoubtedly set-pieces and Bilbao exploited that early on, with Toquero heading in a whipped corner after just nine minutes.

It was just the start Barcelona did not want, although Guardiola's side should have equalised in the 19th minute when Samuel Eto'o, the league's top-scorer, got the ball caught up between his feet and the chance went begging.

Toure showed Eto'o the way forward after 31 minutes, surging forward before beating two Bilbao players and then dispatching a fierce right-footed shot into the corner.

Messi magic

Messi twice went close to scoring early in the second half and finally got his goal in the 54th minute after Bilbao failed to clear their lines.

Barca turned the screw, with Bojan netting three minutes later with an immaculate finish after Bilbao got caught out on the counter-attack.

Xavi curled in a free-kick in the 64th minute to torment Bilbao further as Barca lifted their 25th Copa del Rey.

The Spanish league title could soon follow, with only one point needed at Real Mallorca on Sunday, while the Champions League final will be contested against Manchester United on 27th May.

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