Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Preview: Predictions, Team Updates, Lineups

On Wednesday night, Valencia will face Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. This match promises to be a thrilling clash, with a spot in the semi-finals at stake. Valencia, boasting a rich history in the tournament, has claimed the Copa del Rey title eight times. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao leads the tournament’s history with 24 victories, making them the second-most successful team behind Barcelona.

Match Preview

Valencia is currently fifth on the all-time Copa del Rey wins list. Their most recent triumph came in the 2018-19 season when they defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the final. This season, the team has progressed to the quarter-finals by overcoming Maracena, Cartagena, Sporting Gijon, and Burgos FC.

However, Valencia enters this match on the heels of a disappointing 2-1 loss to Real Betis, which leaves them in 15th place in La Liga, just above the relegation zone. Earlier this season, Valencia secured a 2-0 victory over Athletic in their league encounter. Yet, in the last three meetings between the two, Athletic has won twice, including a 3-1 success in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals in January 2023.

Athletic Bilbao’s Current Form

Athletic Bilbao comes into this match after a 1-1 draw in the Basque derby against Real Sociedad. Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta scored a late equalizer in the 88th minute to rescue a point for his side. With 25 points from 22 matches, Athletic is currently positioned 11th in La Liga, four points clear of the relegation zone.

Despite a challenging season, Athletic can still contend for a major trophy, having secured their place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals by defeating Ourense CF and Cultural Leonesa. Their last Copa del Rey victory was in the 2023-24 season, where they triumphed over Mallorca in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

Team News

• Valencia: Three players are expected to miss the match due to injuries: Julen Agirrezabala, Thierry Correia, and Mouctar Diakhaby.
• Changes are anticipated in the starting lineup, with Umar Sadiq, Baptiste Santamaria, and Andre Almeida likely to feature.
• Carlos Tarrega is also pushing for a starting position in the defense.

• Athletic Bilbao: The team will again be without Aymeric Laporte, Benat Prados, Oihan Sancet, Dani Vivian, Unai Egiluz, and Maroan Sannadi due to injuries.
• Yeray Alvarez is unavailable due to a doping suspension.
• Head coach Ernesto Valverde is expected to make modifications to the lineup, including introducing Alex Padilla in goal and potentially starting Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Inigo Lekue, Mikel Vesga, and Inaki Williams.

Predictions

Looking at the match dynamics, Valencia’s home advantage may play a crucial role in the outcome. Despite Athletic’s historical prowess in the Copa del Rey, their current struggles could work against them. Many observers predict a close match, with Valencia possibly edging out Athletic 2-1 for a place in the semi-finals.