Phil Ball in Spain

Yikes!

In the end it was an enjoyable Spanish cup final, if not a spectacular game. Barcelona's first-half performance saw to that, and Athletic just didn't have the necessary artillery to turn the game around. It's as if they peaked when they defeated Manchester United, and have never really got back to that level of performance. Their league campaign finished poorly, and they lost both their finals - but of course they should be commended for having reached them. Pep Guardiola said as much, in that generous way he has with other teams, in the post-match press-conference. It's been a memorable season for them, their first under 'El Loco' Marcelo Bielsa, and maybe their last, since there is still no definitive news as to what the great enigma has decided to do next season.