Match Pack: Valencia CF vs Athletic Club (Copa SF 2nd Leg)

Athletic Club take on Valencia CF at Mestalla as both sides make one last push for a place in this season’s Copa del Rey final. With the away goals rule having been removed, the 1-1 draw in the first leg leaves the tie wide open.

If the first leg is anything to go off, it will be a hard-fought and intense affair at Mestalla. While Los Leones are hoping to make it to a third consecutive final, Valencia are looking to reach the competition’s showpiece match for the first time since 2018/19, when Marcelino García Toral -Athletic’s current head coach- led them to glory.

Match Info
Valencia CF (Copa SF 2ndLeg)

Mestalla (Valencia)

Copa del Rey 2021/22

Wednesday March 2, 21:30 CET

How to Watch

We’ve compiled a worldwide TV guide so you can watch the semi-final second leg from wherever you are in the world.

Marcelino’s Comments

Marcelino said Athletic will “give it everything they’ve got” to reach a third consecutive final, predicting an intense match at Mestalla with “plenty of stoppages”.

Catch up with what the Gaffer had to say at his pre-match press conference.

The Opponents

Founded in 1919, Valencia CF have won eight Copa del Rey trophies in their history. Known as Los Che, they last lifted the trophy in 2018-19 season. With Marcelino in the dugout, they defeated FC Barcelona 2-1 at the Benito Villamarin.

In addition to the Copas, Valencia’s trophy cabinet includes includes six La Liga titles, one Spanish Super Cup, three UEFA Cups, two European Super Cups, one Eva Duarte Cup and one European Cup Winners’ Cup.

José Bordalás’ side come into the game off the back of a o-1 LaLiga away win over RCD Mallorca, a big morale boost after a painful 1-4 home defeat against Barça the previous weekend.

Right-back Thierry Correia picked up an injury and has been ruled out of the clash at Mestalla. However, captain José Luis Gayá and centre-back Gabriel Paulista have recovered from their respective knocks and will be available for selection. Striker Maxi Gómez is suspended after being sent off in the first leg at San Mamés.

Previous Meetings
Athletic Club and Valencia CF have met in the Copa del Rey on 13 occasions, with mixed fortunes for both sides. The head-to-head record is perfectly balanced, with five wins and three draws for each side, fixtures which include Copa final victories for both.

In terms of Copa duels at Mestalla, Athletic have yet to emerge victorious. One draw and three defeats confirm how difficult it is to win at Mestalla. However, this is the third semi-final between the two teams and the Lions won the two most recent ties.