This Thursday, at 9:30 PM, the last match of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals will be played. Valencia and Barça will compete for that spot in the semifinals, and as has been the case so far, it will be a single match. This match will be played at Mestalla, and you can follow it on Televisión Española and minute by minute on our social networks @carpetasblaugranas
The referee for this match will be Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias, joined in the VAR by Valentín Pizarro Gómez. The referee from Castilla-La Mancha has officiated matches for both teams on numerous occasions, with the peculiarity that he has only lost one match. It will be the third time he referees the blaugranas this season, the last being in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal held in Saudi Arabia.
How Valencia arrives
Carlos Corberán's team is experiencing a good moment in terms of results and feelings, except for the 7-1 match against Barça itself. Apart from that match, they had managed to score against Real Sociedad (1-1) and next weekend they beat a direct rival, Celta, 2-1. However, the Copa del Rey + Mestalla data is not positive, as they have been eliminated in the last two seasons they have played as hosts.
The Valencian coach has commented that they have learned a lot from the past thrashing and that this Thursday they must demonstrate it. He has not wanted to clarify if Diakhaby could be part of the starting eleven, however, he has said that he is fully recovered. The same goes for the latest player to join the 'ché' discipline, Iván Jaime, who could debut with the Valencian jersey.
Regarding the line-up, Hugo Duro has been dealing with discomfort since last week, so it is likely he won't play minutes. The one who will not play will be Foulquier, who, after undergoing a couple of tests, will not be present for this Copa del Rey match. The other players who ended with discomfort against Celta, such as Javi Guerra, Enzo, or Diego López, are fit to play.
How Barça arrives
The blaugranas are experiencing a calm moment, the end of external noise and good sports results make the performance better. To that, it must be added that they have managed to cut points from Real Madrid, leaving the distance at only 4 points. This match is also very important, as winning it ensures being 3 more away from achieving the second title of the season.
Flick, in the pre-match press conference, has reaffirmed that 'Tek' is the starting goalkeeper, although that doesn't mean Iñaki Peña hasn't done well. Regarding the match, he clarified that it won't be the same type of match because "the atmosphere will be very different". Finally, he didn't want to delve much into the topic of Madrid's statement, although he said that "he wouldn't do it".
Regarding the team, the positive news is led by Dani Olmo, who after missing several matches returns to a call-up. Gavi will not be there, who after the blow suffered against Alavés, is not available as a precaution, as dictated by the protocol. The doubt is in the attacking midfield, although it seems that the starter will be Fermín, whom his coach praised in the last appearance.
Match keys
The atmosphere at Mestalla: Flick already mentioned it yesterday, this match is going to be very different from the other two they have already played. First, because it is another competition, life or death, and this will weigh heavily in the stadium. Secondly, because there is that desire for revenge for the league result, which means extra motivation for the fans and the team.
Battle on the wings: if he doesn't change his mind, Corberán will maintain that 4-man defense he usually plays with. However, it is likely he will opt for a 5-man defense to complicate Barça's inside play. Whether he chooses one system or the other, the blaugrana full-backs must be a way to create chances, especially to send lateral crosses and arrive from behind.
Pedri's position: Gavi's absence and Dani Olmo's recent return make the attacking midfield position go to Fermín. However, thanks to Frenkie de Jong's good performance, we can't rule out that the Dutchman plays, joining Casadó and Pedri, further up, as a link. The other option is the already mentioned Fermín, who has accumulated several good matches, being important and contributing numbers.
The center-back position: another of Flick's doubts is who will join Cubarsí in the center of the defense. While Araújo has shown improvement with the ball, Eric García and Íñigo would have an advantage if the German seeks that facet. Valencia will likely start with Sadiq up front, a forward not as fast as Hugo Duro, so he might opt for the Basque or Catalan.