Valencia pile more misery on Barcelona by winning Copa del Rey

Remember when Barcelona had very real aspirations of capturing the treble? That feels like a lifetime ago now.

Valencia ensured the Catalan giants would walk away with just one trophy this season, as Los Che got their hands on the Copa del Rey by virtue of a 2-1 victory in Saturday's final.

First-half goals from Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo were too much for Barcelona to overcome. A Lionel Messi tally in the 73rd minute made for a thrilling conclusion, but ultimately, Barca couldn't find the equalizer they needed.

The final whistle in Seville ended Barcelona's four-year reign as kings of the competition and gave Valencia their first Copa del Rey title since 2008.

Valencia boss Marcelino, who had been tormented by the Blaugrana throughout his managerial career, picked quite a time to nab his first win against them.

The result will lead to more questions about Ernesto Valverde's future at the Camp Nou. Despite public backings of support from Messi and the club's brass, ending the campaign with harrowing defeats in both the Champions League and Copa del Rey could spell disaster for the 55-year-old's hopes of remaining on the Barcelona touchline.

"When you win the league it's always a good year but it's true that the last few weeks have left a bittersweet taste," defender Gerard Pique admitted after Saturday's match.