What Is 2017 Copa del Rey final

Overview

The 2017 Copa del Rey final marked a historic conclusion to Spain’s premier domestic cup competition, featuring FC Barcelona against Deportivo Alavés. Held on May 27, 2017, at the Vicente Calderón Stadium in Madrid, the match was notable not only for its competitive outcome but also for its symbolic significance as the final game hosted at the soon-to-be-demolished stadium.

Barcelona emerged victorious with a 3–1 win, securing their 29th Copa del Rey title and reinforcing their dominance in Spanish football. The final was also a rare appearance for Alavés, a smaller club, in the championship match, adding an underdog narrative to the event.

• Barcelona won 3–1, with goals from Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Paco Alcácer, showcasing their attacking depth and coordination.
• The match date, May 27, 2017, was chosen to avoid conflict with the end of La Liga and European competition schedules.
• Vicente Calderón Stadium, home of Atlético Madrid until 2017, hosted its final event with this final before being demolished.
• Deyverson scored in the 82nd minute for Alavés, marking their first-ever goal in a Copa del Rey final appearance.
• Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz officiated the match, issuing four yellow cards and managing a physical but fair contest.

Match Details

The 2017 final featured tactical adjustments, key player performances, and pivotal moments that shaped the outcome. Both teams approached the game with distinct strategies, Barcelona emphasizing possession while Alavés relied on counterattacks.

• Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a left-footed shot from outside the box, demonstrating his trademark precision.
• Neymar doubled the lead in the 30th minute after a team move involving Luis Suárez and Andrés Iniesta, highlighting Barcelona’s fluid passing.
• Paco Alcácer scored in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to make it 3–0 and effectively seal the match.
• Deyverson pulled one back in the 82nd minute following a scramble in the box, giving Alavés a moment of pride.
• Barcelona completed 678 passes compared to Alavés’s 312, underscoring their control of possession throughout the 90 minutes.
• Attendance was 49,800, the full capacity of Vicente Calderón for the occasion, with fans from both clubs creating an electric atmosphere.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performance metrics between Barcelona and Alavés in the 2017 final:

The statistics reflect Barcelona’s dominance in technical aspects of the game, particularly in ball control and shot efficiency. Alavés, while outmatched in possession, remained disciplined defensively for much of the match and posed a threat on the break, especially in the second half after scoring.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Copa del Rey final had lasting significance beyond the trophy lift, influencing club legacies and stadium history. It highlighted the gap between elite and mid-tier clubs while also celebrating a storied venue’s final act.

• Barcelona claimed their 29th title, extending their record as the most successful team in Copa del Rey history.
• The Vicente Calderón hosted its last match, ending a 50-year legacy as a football landmark in Madrid.
• Lionel Messi won his 4th Copa del Rey, adding to his growing collection of individual accolades.
• Alavés reached their first final since 2001, marking a significant achievement for the modest Basque club.
• The match was broadcast in over 180 countries, emphasizing the global appeal of Spanish football.
• Proceeds supported local Madrid charities, with organizers donating a portion of ticket revenue to community initiatives.

The 2017 final remains a memorable chapter in Spanish football history, combining triumph, nostalgia, and the enduring spectacle of cup competition.