Left field
The Reuters global sports blog
One down, two more to come for Barcelona?
There were nervous moments for Barcelona in the first half of the King’s Cup final but a three-goal nine-minute burst from Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic and Xavi helped them to a 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao and the first leg of a possible treble.
The league title could be their this weekend, on Saturday if Real Madrid fail to win at Villarreal or failing that on Sunday if they can manage a point at Real Mallorca.
The big one, of course, is the Champions League final against Manchester United on May 27 in Rome.
United are on the brink of their third successive Premier League title after leaving it late to beat Wigan Athletic on Wednesday.
So the two best teams in Europe kept the winning habit … and who will triumph when they meet later this month remains deliciously difficult to call.
PHOTO: Barcelona players celebrate Yaya Toure’s goal against Athletic Bilbao during their King’s Cup final at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, May 13, 2009. REUTERS/Heino Kalis
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Resident Left Field Expert
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United into submission? This is Manchester United. Probably the best team in the world in keeping the ball and having the patience under pressure. United showed against Arsenal their ability to stop play in midfield. Barca will be really hurt with the absence of their full-backs.
It will be a close game which will end with united winning in normal time.