Athletic Bilbao 0-4 Barcelona: 5 talking points as Blaugrana secure 31st Copa triumph | Copa del Rey 2020-21 

Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey.

#3 Frenkie de Jong thrives in his familiar position

Frenkie de Jong gave a standout display for Barcelona.
Frenkie de Jong gave a standout display for Barcelona.

One of the changes Ronald Koeman has made at Barcelona in recent months was deploying a three-man defence. That goes against the very ethos of the club, and it was a risk the former Netherlands manager was willing to take.

An even bolder change saw him play Frenkie de Jong at the heart of defence, and the 23-year-old took to his new role like a fish to water. However, for all his brilliance in defence, the Netherlands international is at his best when he is dictating play at the other end.

The return to fitness of Gerard Pique saw De Jong moved further up the field, and he responded with what was one of his standout displays in a Barcelona shirt.

The former Ajax man was almost unplayable in his stride and discharged his role of instigating attacks with minimum fuss. After hitting the post inside the opening six minutes, De Jong took the bull by the horn in the second half.

His pass for Griezmann's opening goal was immaculate, while he also showed great awareness and composure to head Jordi Alba's pristine low cross from six yards out. Frenkie de Jong ended the night with a goal and two assists to crown what was a majestic performance.

Barcelona spent big bucks to sign the midfielder, and after struggling for consistency throughout his time at Camp Nou, De Jong shone like a million stars in his favoured position.


#4 Can this Copa triumph spur Barcelona to La Liga glory and convince Lionel Messi to stay?

Barcelona are still in the race for the La Liga title.
Barcelona are still in the race for the La Liga title.

Beyond legitimising Ronald Koeman's managerial spell, this Copa triumph could also act as a tonic for Barcelona to launch a late assault on the La Liga title.

There is something that winning trophies does to players, and it cannot be argued that winning this Copa del Rey title could act as a motivator to Barcelona players in the final few weeks of the campaign.

Stalwarts like Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba are no strangers to winning the biggest titles. However, youngsters like Ilaix Moriba, Sergino Dest, Pedri and Oscar Mingueza are all new in terms of winning major trophies.

By winning the Copa Del Rey, the young players could be better prepared ahead of a nail-biting La Liga finish.

Although the league race is effectively out of Barcelona's hands, an out-of-sorts Atletico Madrid are there for the taking, while Real Madrid still have the distraction of the UEFA Champions League to contend with.

There is also the not-so-small matter of Lionel Messi's future. Having weathered the stormy waters last summer, the Barcelona talisman now genuinely looks happy in familiar surroundings.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Messi and Barcelona. But this Copa del Rey win and a potential La Liga triumph could convince the club icon to key into the current project.


#5 Incredible Lionel Messi continues record-extending run for Barcelona

Lionel Messi scored a brace in the final.
Lionel Messi scored a brace in the final.

With just over 20 minutes to go, Lionel Messi had yet to truly make a mark on the game. But knowing the Barcelona captain, it was always going to be a matter of time before he came through.

As it turned out, that was indeed the case, and the six-time Ballon d'Or winner ended the night with a brace.

His first goal was undoubtedly one of the best of his illustrious career. And that is saying something, considering the ridiculous number of wordlies Messi has in his locker room.

The brace took the Rosario native to 31 goals for the season, which incredibly makes this the 13th consecutive campaign he has scored 30 or more goals.

This was also his 35th trophy in Barcelona colours, taking him further clear as the most decorated player in the club's history, and this is no less than he truly deserves.

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