Barcelona to face Sevilla in Copa del Rey final today

Barcelona are all set to face Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.

The Cup would have been third for the Spanish giants, 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 arch-rivals Real Madrid clinch their third consecutive European crown.

“I live with a little anxiety,” Barca midfielder Philippe Coutinho said on Thursday. “But it is a very important and very happy moment, playing a final only two or three months after arriving.”

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.

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.

They have also conceded five goals at home to Real Betis and lost to minnows Alaves, Eibar and Leganes. In their draw against Barca, they shipped two goals in the 87th and 89th minutes.

Sitting seventh in the table and 17 points adrift of the top four, a trophy — particularly with a win over Barca — would diminish a disappointing league position and enhance their run to the Champions League quarter-finals. Lose, and there will be little left to cling onto.

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