Goncalo Guedes’ scintillating
strike sent Valencia into the final of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday after a
1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao sealed a 2-1 victory on aggregate.
Guedes’ thundering effort at the end of the first half decided the match at
Mestalla and the tie after the first leg had finished 1-1 at San Mames last
month.
Valencia will meet either Real Betis or Rayo Vallecano in the final in
April, with Betis looking to capitalise on a 2-1 advantage when they play the
second leg at home on Thursday.
With Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla all suffering
early exits, Betis are arguably favourites now to win the competition. They
are the highest-placed La Liga side left, sitting third, six spots above
Valencia in ninth.
But after defeating Athletic, Valencia will fancy their chances of
clinching a ninth Spanish Cup.
They are the most recent winners remaining, after they beat Barcelona to
lift the trophy in 2019, when Marcelino, now Athletic coach, was in charge.
Athletic had knocked out both Madrid and Barca en route to this year’s
semis but looked tired and flat against a more aggressive Valencia side, and
miss out on a third consecutive final.
Guedes’ strike was a worthy goal to decide it, the ball headed out to the
midfielder, who was 30 yards out in the 43rd minute.
Guedes controlled, shifted right and unleashed a sizzling shot that flew
past Julen Agirrezabala and into the corner.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)