Valencia’s Resilient Journey in the Copa del Rey

Valencia CF has shown remarkable strength in the Copa del Rey, allowing themselves the privilege to dream of further glory as they advance to the quarter-finals, even while facing difficulties in La Liga where they currently find themselves in the relegation zone. The knockout tournament often brings surprises, yet Valencia has proven adept at overcoming these challenges when it matters most. They have successfully faced two recent opponents from the Segunda División, emerging victorious in both encounters.

A key factor in their success has been their aggressive approach at the start of matches. Valencia has swiftly seized the initiative, not allowing any surprises to unfold. In the round of 16 against Sporting de Gijón, they scored within the first three minutes, thanks to a decisive goal from Lucas Beltrán, effectively neutralizing any potential for an upset.

Against Burgos, it was Rubo Iranzo who, just ten minutes into the match, provided the necessary calm and confidence for the team to take the lead, tipping the balance firmly in their favor.

The format of the Copa del Rey has undergone numerous changes over the years, shifting from double-legged ties against lower-tier opponents to single-match knockouts hosted by the lower division team. Despite these alterations, Valencia has consistently adapted, demonstrating resilience and not allowing themselves to be overwhelmed.

Remarkably, Valencia has successfully navigated the last 22 single-match eliminations against lower-tier rivals—whether from the Segunda, Primera, or Segunda RFEF divisions, and even regional leagues—without facing defeat.

The last time they experienced the disappointment of elimination under such circumstances was back in October 2004, during a match against Lleida when Claudio Ranieri was at the helm; they lost 1-0 at the Camp D’Esports.

Since the adoption of the English model, which involves playing away against lower-division teams, Valencia has consistently risen to the occasion.

Post-match comments from coach Carlos Corberán encapsulated the essence of this competition and the caution with which they are approaching it: the need to swiftly eliminate any notion that smaller opponents can dominate their home ground. Although they faced significant challenges against Cartagena, against their two most recent opponents, both of whom compete in the Segunda División—Sporting de Gijón and Burgos—it was Valencia who managed to resolve these matches efficiently.

“We were aware of how treacherous the Copa can be. A Segunda team eliminated Madrid,” stated Valencia’s coach after the recent cup match in Burgos.