2009 Copa del Rey Final vs Athletic Club
The victory in enemy territory that kicked off the path to football's first Sextuple.
The 2009 Copa del Rey Final was more than a trophy; it was the historic first piece in football's legendary Sextuple. Played under the lights of Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu, Pep Guardiola's Barcelona faced a stubborn Athletic Club side. This wasn't just about adding silverware to the cabinet; it was securing the opening step in a journey that would culminate with the FIFA Club World Cup later that year.
- Competition
- Copa del Rey Final
- Date
- May 13, 2009
- Venue
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
- Opponent
- Athletic Club
- Result
- 4-1 (AET)
- Key Moment
- Messi's Header in Extra Time
Lore & Background
While Athletic Club silenced the neutral crowd with Fernando Llorente's strike, the match belongs to what happened when extra time began. Messi’s header was an anomaly—a rare aerial strike from a player known for footwork—that signaled his evolution into a complete forward capable of delivering in clutch moments regardless of position.
In Their Own Story
Extra time arrived at 1-1, Athletic having weathered the blaugrana storm. Dani Alves found space on the right, whipping a cross toward the penalty spot. Messi met it with unexpected power, nodding the ball past the keeper as the Bernabéu fell silent and Barca fans roared. Moments later, Yaya Touré and Bojan Krkić poured in to turn tension into triumph, ending the night 4-1.
Reader's Guide
Date: May 13, 2009 | Result: 4-1 Extra Time | Significance: Completed the Sextuple. Athletic Club took a lead through Llorente in regulation, forcing extra time where Barcelona’s depth shone. Messi broke the deadlock with his first Copa del Rey goal, followed by late strikes from Yaya Touré and Bojan. This victory validated Guardiola's tactical overhaul and proved Barca could win even when outplayed initially.
Did You Know?
- This victory marked FC Barcelona's first trophy of the historic Sextuple, a feat completed months later with the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2009.
- Lionel Messi scored his first-ever Copa del Rey goal, which was also the match-winner in extra time.
- The final was played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Barcelona's arch-rivals Real Madrid.
- It was the 107th edition of the Copa del Rey competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played in the 2009 Copa del Rey Final?
FC Barcelona faced Athletic Club on May 13, 2009, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. This match served as the decisive contest for that season's domestic cup title.
What was the final score and how did it end?
Barcelona defeated Athletic Club with a convincing 4-1 victory after extra time. The game concluded with Lionel Messi scoring a memorable header during the additional period to seal the win.
Why is this match considered historically significant?
This triumph marked the first trophy in Barcelona's unprecedented Sextuple, a record-breaking achievement where they won six major titles in a single calendar year. It was also notable for being secured on the hostile ground of their arch-rivals, Real Madrid.
Who was the manager leading Barcelona during this final?
Pep Guardiola guided his team to victory, implementing an attacking style that overwhelmed a stubborn Athletic Club defense. This win was one of the early milestones in his successful tenure at the club.
Where did the 2009 Copa del Rey Final take place?
The match was held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home ground of Real Madrid in Madrid. Playing and winning this final in such a hostile environment added immense prestige to Barcelona's achievement.