Athletic Club - Valencia CF

Athletic Club and Valencia CF drew 1-1 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at a San Mamés on Thursday night.

In a game of few chances, Raúl García‘s first-half header was cancelled out by Hugo Duro’s leveller in the second half. The new Copa regulations, which have seen away goals removed, mean that to make the final in Seville, one of the two sides will have to win next month, either in normal time, extra-time or penalties.

In a match marked by tension and disputes, Athletic played very well in the first half and were patient as they looked for a chance to to take the lead. Iñaki Williams threatened with a shot against Mamardashvili in the 30th minute. Moments later Iker Muniain found Raúl García at the back post with an inch-perfect free-kick.

Everything seemed to be under control for the Lions. Towards the end of the half Dani García shot over the crossbar. For Valencia, only Hugo Duro, who would end up being decisive, was a source of concern.

Central defender Yeray Álvarez picked up a knock at half-time and was replaced with Dani Vivian. The same intensity which characterised the first half continued in the second.

In the 65th minute, a move on the right ended with a cross into the box that Bryan Gil got a touch, Julen Agirrezabala tried to clear but Duro was able to push the ball into the back of the net.

From then on, an Alex Berenguer effort aside, there was little football played between the constant stoppages. The tie will be decided at Mestalla, where Athletic have a tough task ahead of them… as do Valencia.