VICENTE CALDERON SET TO HOST COPA FINAL?

By Staff Writer
Updated: 14 February, 2012

The final of the Copa del Rey between Barcelona and Athletic Club could be played at the Vicente Calderon after Atletico Madrid offered the stadium to the RFEF.

Negotiations are still being held with Real Madrid about hosting the showpiece final at the Santiago Bernabeu, although the current league leaders are unhappy with the proposal.

However their city neighbours could now ensure the match is played in the capital, at their 54,000 capacity stadium on the banks of the river Manzanares.

The only requirement would be that the game is held on the 25 May, as British musicians Coldplay are holding a concert at the venue on the 20 May.

There has been no confirmed date for the match yet, however if Barcelona reach the Champions League final on 19 May, the game will definitely be contested on the latter date.

The Vicente Calderon has hosted a number of Copa del Rey finals in the past, the first in 1973 when Athletic Club defeated Castellón. In 1977 Atletico lost on penalties against Real Betis.

The first final Barcelona played at the stadium was in 1974 when they beat Real Madrid 4-0 in the then-named Generalissimo Cup. Barça won the 1981 final at the stadium with a 3-1 win over Sporting Gijon before losing in 1986 to Real Zaragoza.

The Vicente Calderon hosted it’s last final in 2008 when Valencia beat Getafe 3-1.

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