Fabregas and Xavi fire Barca into cup final

Having knocked out holders and arch-rivals Real Madrid in the last eight, Barca comfortably disposed of Spain's third-strongest side 3-1 on aggregate as they bid to extend their national record for domestic Spanish Cup triumphs to 26.

Lionel Messi sent Fabregas clear to score the opener in the 16th minute at the Nou Camp, the former Arsenal captain beating his marker to the bouncing ball before lifting it superbly over Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves.