Valencia vs Athletic Prediction
🔊 What intrigues lie in the quarterfinal clash between the "Bats" and the "Basques"? One of Wednesday's standout fixtures in the Copa del Rey features Valencia taking on Athletic Bilbao at the Mestalla. For both teams, this tournament represents a chance to brighten an otherwise disappointing season and bring joy to their fans. Bookmakers predict a closely contested match, without a clear favorite. This suggests a high probability of intense drama on the pitch.
Head-to-Head
📊 Recent head-to-head clashes between Valencia and Atletico have been characterized by low scoring and intense competition, with no more than two goals scored in the last four encounters. Let's look at the outcomes over the last 10 meetings: Valencia have secured 3 wins, there have been 2 draws, and Atletico have claimed victory 5 times. Considering the average scoring rate of each side, it's 1 to 0.8 in favor of the Basques.
H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results
Valencia Team Overview
🟠 The "Bats" have confidently advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. Under the guidance of Carlos Corberan, they knocked out Maracena (5-0), Cartagena (2-1), Sporting Gijon (2-0), and Burgos (2-0). It's worth recalling that in last year's Copa del Rey, Valencia also reached the quarter-final stage but couldn't overcome Barcelona (0-5). In the current La Liga season, the "Oranges" are struggling, sitting 16th in the standings with 23 points from 22 matches.
⚫ Last weekend, the "Oranges" failed to secure points at the Benito Villamarin, losing 1-2. Despite this, Carlos Corberan's side aimed to play with organization and often managed to trouble their opponents during ball distribution. According to expected goals metrics, Valencia deserved at least a point: 1.91 compared to 1.88 in favor of the "Bats." The Spanish coach favors a counter-attacking style of play. With smart build-up play, Valencia can surprise even Spain's top clubs. The most prolific player for the "Oranges" in this season's Copa del Rey is Lucas Beltran, who has scored 2 goals in 2 appearances.
Match Results: Valencia
Athletic Bilbao Team Overview
🔴 The Basques are enduring one of their weakest seasons in recent years. Lackluster performances in the domestic league and an early exit from the Champions League have left the club's management dissatisfied. Currently, Athletic sit in the bottom half of the La Liga standings, with 25 points from 22 matches. Thus, the Copa del Rey represents the only chance for Ernesto Valverde and his team to give their fans something to cheer about. On their way to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, Athletic secured victories against Ourense (1-0) and Cultural Leonesa (4-3 AET).
⚪ Last weekend, Athletic couldn't find a winner in their head-to-head clash with Real Sociedad, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Moreover, the Basques once again looked inferior to their opponents and were only saved by Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta's decisive strike in the 88th minute. Ernesto Valverde is under significant pressure, and it's uncertain whether his Athletic can turn things around and regain last season's form. The top scorer for the Red and Whites in this season's Copa del Rey is Gorka Guruzeta, with 2 goals in two matches.
Match Results: Athletic Bilbao
Latest news
Valencia
📰 Valencia goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala, who made the switch from Athletic last summer, addressed the press ahead of the cup clash with his former team: "This is a very special match. Both clubs have a deep appreciation for the Cup, with massive fan bases and a great deal of excitement surrounding this competition. The game will take place at the Mestalla with our fans, and we need to deliver a top-quality performance to reach the semifinals. The absence of some players has affected their results, but they still have dangerous players. Playing at home in this format is crucial. We've convincingly navigated the previous rounds, and now we play in front of our supporters, which we aim to capitalize on to advance further."
❌ In Valencia's injury list are Mouctar Diakhaby (muscle injury), Julen Agirrezabala (muscle injury), and Thierry Correia (leg injury).
Athletic Bilbao
🎤 Athletic's head coach Ernesto Valverde addressed the media following the draw against Real Sociedad: "The match went poorly for us. We lacked precision in our play on the opponent's half and didn't perform well in positional defense. The opposition had numerous opportunities for wing breakthroughs, which could have caused us significant problems. Although we managed to secure a point, I'm not satisfied with my players' performance. We'll strive to showcase our best football in the upcoming cup clash."
❌ Among the unavailable players for Athletic are Nico Williams (groin injury), Dani Vivian (muscle injury), Marwan Sannadi (knee injury), Oihan Sancet (leg injury), Benat Prados (knee injury), Aymeric Laporte (muscle injury), Unai Egilus (knee injury).
⚽ Goal Prediction
As previously mentioned, recent head-to-head encounters between these teams have rarely been goal-fests. In 4 out of the last 5 meetings, there have been no more than two goals scored. Additionally, both clubs are struggling to create chances, and the current stage of the Copa del Rey will likely force a measured and cautious approach. Our pick is under 2.5 goals.
🚩 Corner Prediction
Let's note the average number of corners each side has earned so far this season: Valencia with 5.2 and Athletic with 5.4. In head-to-head matchups between the "Oranges" and the "Basques," there are approximately 9.9 corners per game. Both teams favor wing play, which impacts the number of corner kicks. Our recommendation is over 9.5 corners.
Editorial Prediction
Predicting the outcome of this match is extremely challenging. Both clubs have significant weaknesses this season and struggle with consistency in their performances. For both the "Oranges" and the "Basques," the Copa del Rey represents one of the few chances to turn a disappointing season into something respectable. Given this context, we do not expect either team to take high risks. We anticipate a final score of 1-1, with the key bet being under 2.5 goals.
Betting Tips: Valencia - Athletic Bilbao
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