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Josep Guardiola's farewell to Barcelona was successful - on Friday late in the evening, the 41-year-old specialist left the club after a two-year break and for the twenty-sixth time in the club's history triumphed in the Spanish King's Cup ("Copa del Rey") tournament.
In the final, the Catalans left no hope for Marcelo Bielsa's trained Bilbao Athletic team - the referee's final whistle confirmed a convincing 3-0 victory for the 'blaugrana'.
This year, the Basques lost the second final by the same result - at the beginning of May, they lost 3-0 to the Madrid Atletico team in the fight for the UEFA Europa League trophy.
Barca sent their opponents to the canvas already at the beginning of the first half, when after a corner kick, Pedro Rodriguez sent the ball into Gorka Iraizoz's goal.
It didn't take long for the knockout blow - Lionel Messi doubled the lead in the 20th minute after a superb pass from Andres Iniesta, and just five minutes later, Pedro settled any doubts by scoring a double.
Barcelona's victory means that in the month of August, football fans will be able to enjoy a two-match series for the Spanish Super Cup, where the new King's Cup holders will test their strengths against the La Liga champions, Real Madrid.
Athletic Bilbao 0 - 3 Barcelona 3' [0 - 1] P. Rodriguez 20' [0 - 2] L. Messi 25' [0 - 3] P. Rodriguez
