Barcelona facing its first trophyless season in 6 years

Barcelona's painful reverse to archrival Real Madrid in Wednesday's King's Cup final brings to an end a hellish week and leaves it facing its first season without major silverware in six years.

Coach Gerardo Martino, in his first term in charge at the Nou Camp, was defiant after the 2-1 defeat at Valencia's Mestalla stadium and suggested he intends to see out his contract, which runs to the end of next season.

A week ago, Barca was well placed to repeat its record treble of La Liga, Champions League and King's Cup from 2008-09 but is now likely to end the campaign with nothing more than the season-opening Spanish Super Cup.