Barcelona return to Copa del Rey final

Madrid: Two weeks ago, Gerard Pique and Antoine Griezmann were heatedly arguing with each other in a big loss to Paris-Saint Germain in the Champions League that deepened Barcelona’s crisis. On Wednesday, the two were celebrating together after Griezmann set up Pique’s stoppage-time goal that allowed Barcelona to reach the Copa del Rey final. Pique’s goal helped secure a 3-2 aggregate victory over Sevilla, easing some of the pressure on the embattled club that two days ago saw former president Josep Maria Bartomeu get arrested by Catalan police investigating possible irregularities during his administration. Sevilla won the first leg 2-0 but Pique’s header four minutes into stoppage time forced extra time before Martin Braithwaite netted the winner to send Barcelona into their ninth Copa del Rey final in 11 seasons. “Pique showed that he is one of the leaders,” coach Ronald Koeman said. AP