Athletic Bilbao reached its first Copa del Rey final for 24 years on Wednesday and will play record 24-time champion Barcelona.

Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao the two most successful clubs in Spanish Cup history will meet in the final of this season’s renewal after both came through their semi-finals successfully on Wednesday.

The Trophy

Athletic de Bilbao knocked out Sevilla with half an hour of magic play in San Mamés 3-0. Caparrós team destroyed Sevilla in a show of strength and commitment, and only Navas showed form for the visitors. 25 years have passed since Athletic has been in the final of the cup. Goals came from Javi Martínez after just four minutes, Fernando Llorente and Torquero, all in the first half.

Messi and Pinto saved Barcelona against Mallorca who went ahead with a goal from Castro just before half time. Barcelona equalized just nine minutes from the end to reach the final with a goal from Messi.

The two clubs will meet in the cup final on May 13 for the seventh time, with a split of the previous matchups. Athletic’s last cup victory came in 1984 – a 1-0 result against Barcelona.

“It will be marvellous, against a great team such as Athletic Bilbao, and in such a nice stadium as Valencia`s,” said Pep Guardiola, Barcelona first team manager, who believes the cup success could prove a shot in the arm for his stuttering side.

The Mestalla Stadium was chosen to hold the event on December 23rd 2008 to conmmemorate  the 90th anniversary of Valencia FC as well to celebrate the 100th aniversary of Valencian Community Soccer Federation.

Tickets will be on sale soon.

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