Barca prepare for tough final

Madrid, April 20: Barcelona and Sevilla will know the success of their respective seasons is on the line when they go head to head in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.

The Cup would certainly have been third on Barca’s list of priorities only a month ago, but the shattering Champions League defeat to Roma has altered perceptions of what might have otherwise have been a stellar campaign.

Unbeaten in La Liga and virtually certain to win the title, a domestic double may not be enough to remove the lingering disappointment from Rome, particularly if Real clinch their third consecutive European crown.

Another surprise loss this weekend would certainly settle the argument, even if it seems strange to declare a team under pressure six days after they marked the longest unbeaten run in La Liga history.

In moulding his team around organisation, hard work and the irrepressible Lionel Messi, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has steered this team away from the club’s more freeflowing, attacking traditions.

Sevilla have fewer questions to answer in terms of entertainment. Since Vincenzo Montella took charge in December, they have beaten Atletico Madrid, twice, Manchester United and drawn with Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Sitting seventh in the table a trophy — particularly with a win over Barca — would diminish a disappointing league position and enhance their run to the Champions League quarterfinals.

Barca fans are expected to jeer Spain’s national anthem before kick- off amid ongoing political unrest between Catalonia and the Spanish government.

“I’m not going to say anything,” Valverde said. “I just want players to respect each other.”— AFP