05 March,2009 08:52 AM IST | | AFP
Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, the two most successful clubs in Spanish Cup history will meet in the final of this season's renewal after both came through their semi-finals successfully yesterday.
Barcelona, who have 24 Cup wins to their name, were held to a 1-1 draw in Majorca by Mallorca but progressed 3-1 on aggregate, though they are now winless in four successive matches in all competitions and have seen their league lead whittled right down by bitter rivals Real Madrid.
Indeed Barcelona, who last won the Cup in 1998, could have been in real trouble had not their reserve goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto saved a penalty in the 52nd minute which saw Barca defender Martin Caceres sent-off.
However, they settled once Mallorca's Josemi was also red carded in the 70th minute and 11 minutes later they wrapped up their place in the final when Lionel Messi netted.
