Valencia are gradually getting back on track and look excellent in the Copa del Rey. The same cannot be said about Athletic Club, who have been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and only just squeezed into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
Valencia
In La Liga, Valencia are fighting for survival, but they have picked up points in three of their last four rounds. Their situation in the Copa del Rey is even better. The team have claimed four wins with an aggregate score of 14:1, including two clean sheets against Segunda División sides Real Sporting de Gijón and Burgos (both 2:0). At Estadio de Mestalla, the hosts are unbeaten in six consecutive matches and have scored at least once in each of them.
Athletic Club
Athletic Club are going through a difficult spell. In La Liga, they sit in mid-table under Ernesto Valverde, while in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) they went out in the main phase, not even making the top 24. The Copa del Rey is currently more of a secondary competition for the Basques. In the early rounds they faced Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa (4:3 A.E.T.) and Ourense (1:0 A.E.T.); on both occasions they drew away in normal time and only defeated their opponents in extra time. The visitors have also been unconvincing away from home in general, with three wins in 18 matches this season and only four clean sheets in that run.
Valencia vs Athletic Club Prediction
Valencia are showing greater focus and motivation in cup matches, especially at home. In their current situation, Athletic Club are unlikely to be able to impose themselves on the hosts at Estadio de Mestalla. We expect the home side to avoid defeat and score at least once.
