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Ernesto Valverde Admits Barcelona 'Lacked a Spark' During Copa del Rey Final Defeat to Valencia

Ernesto Valverde has admitted his Barcelona side 'lacked a spark' as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Valencia in the final of the Copa del Rey at the Benito Villamarin.

Barcelona were looking to secure their fourth domestic double in the last five years having wrapped up the La Liga title with ease, but whilst they started the better of the two sides they were outdone by Valencia's devastating counter-attacking prowess.

First half goals from Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo Moreno gave Valencia a two-goal lead at half time, meaning Lionel Messi's close range strike with just 15 minutes left proved to be only a consolation goal as Valencia edged to a 2-1 win and in doing so won their first Copa del Rey since 2008.