Valencia stunned Barcelona 2-1 to win the Copa del Rey, ending the Spanish champions' four-year winning streak in the competition on Saturday.
Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo Moreno struck in the 21st and 33rd minutes of the match to put Valencia ahead. Barcelona struggled to find their footing in the final, with forwards Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele out with injuries. Lionel Messi managed to bring Barcelona back into the game with a close-range finish in the second half, but fell short of an equaliser.
Smarting from their semifinal loss in the Champions League, Barcelona were eyeing a record fifth consecutive Copa del Rey win, but were undone by a dominant Valencia.
Barcelona were yet to recover from the blow they suffered at the hands of Liverpool in the Champions League semifinal, Messi had said on Friday. They had thrown away a three-goal lead when Liverpool eliminated Barca with a 4-3 aggregate in the second leg of the semifinal.
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Messi also backed Barcelona's coach Ernesto Valverde but it remains to be seen whether the backing of the board remains after two defeats have now spoiled such a brilliant La Liga success.
“I'm so happy because for me, my family, it's incredible,” said Valencia captain Dani Parejo. “A club like Valencia deserves a lot more joy like this. I don't have the words, it's incredible.
“We've made history in a really significant year, our centenary year.”
Valencia coach Marcelino raced around the pitch in a frenzy after the final whistle blew as Barcelona players sank to their knees in shock.
“We always had faith,” said Marcelino. “Beating Barcelona to win the cup is very special. We deserved to win.”
Gerard Pique called Valencia worthy champions. He said that his side could have done better and that the season ends with a bittersweet feeling.
Valencia finished fourth in La Liga after a strong second half of the season, reaching the Europa League semifinals and ending an impressive campaign with this victory. Valencia denied Barcelona a domestic double by winning their first major trophy since last winning the Copa del Rey in 2008.
