What is the match preview saying for Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao?”
Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao, Copa del Rey final, May 13, 2009 Barcelona were all set to complete the first stage of a wonderful treble on Sunday evening, leading 3-1 with 12 minutes remaining against Villareal, before they threw away the chance to wrap up the La Liga title by letting in two late goals. As a result the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao could now be the first leg of three trophies for the Catalan club, culminating in the Champions League final in Rome in two weeks time. Despite their attacking brilliance this season, Pep Guardiola’s side come into this game looking tired and short of many of their star names. Particularly worryingly, Andres Iniesta joined the injury list late on against Villareal and he will be watching from the stands at the Mestalla along with Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez. Also missing will be Eric Abidal who was sent off for the second time in four days last Sunday, and there has been chat in the Spanish press that Guardiola will persist
Barcelona were all set to complete the first stage of a wonderful treble on Sunday evening, leading 3-1 with 12 minutes remaining against Villareal, before they threw away the chance to wrap up the La Liga title by letting in two late goals. As a result the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao could now be the first leg of three trophies for the Catalan club, culminating in the Champions League final in Rome in two weeks time.
