A moment of divine intervention from Lionel Messi seven minutes into extra-time helped Barcelona win an energy-sapping Copa del Rey final against Sevilla.
Both teams were down to ten men in the last game of what has been a marathon season when Messi played the pass of the night – dropping the ball 25 yards behind the Sevilla defence and into the path of Jordi Alba who let it bounce once before sending it just inside Sergio Rico’s far post.
It was 25 to midnight and somehow Barcelona – having played much of the game with 10 men after having Javier Mascherano sent off and losing Luis Suarez in tears in the second half to a hamstring tear – had won the Copa del Rey.
Down to ten men and now without Suarez’ running it must have felt like they were playing with nine despite Rafinha’s introduction but with Pique throwing himself in front of shots there was always hope. He slid in brilliantly on Kevin Gameiro as the Frenchman went through on goal and kept Barça in it.
If they could hold out at one end then perhaps Messi could muster something at the other end. When Vitolo conceded a free-kick in Messi range the Sevilla supporters gave his shot straight into Sergio Rico’s arms one of the biggest cheers of the night. It was a massive relief.
Strangely they had not taken their chance to finish Barcelona off and were now struggling to make the extra man tell. The man advantage was about to be lost too.
First Neymar was unfairly booked for a dive after Banega clearly tripped him. The next time it happened the referee got it right with Banega sent off. Both sides would have to face extra time with ten men.
It was a different game now – one which Barcelona would win. From Messi's superb assist Alba got his first goal of the season to win the cup and right on 120 minutes - and 00.04am - Neymar got the second.
-Dailymail