Barcelona trounce Valencia 7-0

Madrid, Feb. 4, (GNA/dpa) - Barcelona practically booked their place in the final of the Spanish Cup Wednesday by trouncing woeful Valencia 7-0 in a one-sided semi-final first leg which saw four goals from Luis Suarez and three from Lionel Messi.

"I think this has been one of our most complete performances," a euphoric Suarez said.

"We had a good attitude right from the start and there is a great result for us. Everything went right for us today, and for me personally."

Suarez refused to accept that the tie was already over, saying: "You never know what might happen in football. We are in a good position, but there is still another match to play."

Unless there is an astonishing turnaround in the second leg in Mestalla February 10, record cup winner Barca will be in their sixth final within eight years, facing either Sevilla or Celta Vigo - who start their semi Thursday.

The final result would have been even more humiliating for Valencia if Neymar had not missed a penalty just before half-time after an incident which saw Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi rather harshly sent off.

The first half was painful for Valencia but the second half, with a man less than Barca, was a veritable torture.

"I am very proud of what my players achieved tonight," Barca coach Luis Enrique said.

"Despite all the matches they have played recently, they still went out to play with energy, ambition and hunger."

The embarrassing meltdown could turn out to be the final nail in the coffin of Valencia coach Gary Neville, whose team have gone 11 games without a win in La Liga.

"I am not going to resign," said Neville, who has only been in the job for two months.

"This is one of the most painful days I've ever had in football. We made so many mistakes tonight .The fans do not deserve a display something like this."

GNA