Getty/Josep Lago
- Barcelona’s crazy week continued on the pitch as it pulled off a stunning comeback victory to reach the Copa del Rey final.
- Ronald Koeman’s side beat Sevilla 3-0 to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the semifinal first-leg.
- The win comes just days after former president was arrested in connection to last year’s “Barcagate” scandal.
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FC Barcelona’s crazy week continued on the pitch on Wednesday as it pulled off a stunning comeback victory in the second leg of its Copa del Rey semifinal over Sevilla to book its place in the competition’s final.
Ronald Koeman’s side, who had trailed 2-0 from the first leg, beat Sevilla 3-0 at the Camp Nou.
The victory comes just days after Barcelona’s former president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, was arrested in connection with last year’s “Barcagate” scandal. On the same day, the club’s stadium was raided by police.
Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring on the night just 12 minutes in when he rifled home a stunning effort from outside the box.
Sevilla’s Lucas Ocampos missed a penalty mid-way through the second half, before midfielder Fernando was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 92nd minute.
Shortly after the Brazilian saw red, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique headed home Antoine Griezmann's cross to make it 2-0 to the hosts and send the tie into extra-time.
Danish striker Martin Braithwaite then scored the winner with a sublime diving header.
"It is my happiest night as Barcelona coach," Koeman said after the victory. "Being two goals down, we played a very complete game. You can't ask for more as a coach.
"We deserved to go through and we deserve to play in the final. We were the best team across both legs.
"We have always believed. We never threw this cup away. It is a question of mentality. As a coach, I cannot ask my team for more than what I have seen tonight. We fought to the point of exhaustion and it is incredible. I am very satisfied with the team's work tonight. We deserved the victory."
The dramatic victory saw Barcelona reach its 10th Copa del Rey final in just 13 years, where it will face either Athletic Bilbao or Levante on April 4.
Before that, the club's members will elect a new president on Sunday, in a vote that will likely determine whether or not Lionel Messi stays in Spain.