Sweet memories for Barcelona in the Wanda Metropolitano

Barcelona head to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday, a stadium which holds great memories for them after their stunning performance in last season's Copa del Rey final against Sevilla, whom they demolished 5-0.

It is perfectly understood that some absentminded Catalans still call Atletico Madrid's home the Estadio Vicente Calderon because the Wanda has more connotations as a neutral stadium than as the heir of the bustling Calderon.

There are two compelling reasons why.

On the one hand, because it will host the next final of the Champions League, an appointment to which the Blaugrana have the obligation to at least approach after three consecutive seasons losing in the quarterfinals.

And on the other, that cup final, played exactly seven months ago, which corresponds - without a doubt - to the best 90 minutes of the Catalan team since Ernesto Valverde became coach.

A rarefied climate

Barcelona reached that final match at the worst moment of last season.

While LaLiga Santander was on track, the European elimination at the hands of Roma installed a bad atmosphere within the club.

Suddenly, the management of the 'Txingurri,' previously applauded for overcoming Neymar's exit and for domestic regularity, was questioned.

The annoyance was such that even on day of the final itself, a newspaper cover appeared, based on sources from the club, that put in doubt the continuity of the trainer.

That day everything changed between Valverde and Bartomeu, but we also saw the best Barcelona of the campaign.

The players overwhelmed Sevilla from the first minute of the contest.

Clement Lenglet, today a Barcelona player, had to watch on as Luis Suarez and his teammates ran riot.

So Barcelona's memory of the Wanda remains sweet and refreshing... but Atletico are hoping to tarnish it.