What: Spanish Copa del Rey – Semi-final (first leg)
Who: Valencia vs Barcelona
When: Wednesday 1st February, 2012, at 20:00 UK time
Where: Mestalla, Valencia, Spain
Watch Out for Set-Pieces
One of the four Spanish teams to reach the semi-final of this season’s Copa del Rey, Valencia have the opportunity to win a trophy this year. First however, Los Che have to overcome a Barcelona side that is hurting and which will surely want to recover from less than impressive showings of late. A strong performance on the part of Unai Emery’s side can worsen things for the domestic and continental champions still further.
The team had the inconvenience of drawing against Racing Santander (2-2) in their last league game, although third place in the standings still remains theirs for the taking. Emery hinted after the game that his side’s thoughts might have been revolving around Barcelona, given the reality is that the Copa del Rey is still very much up for grabs.
Valencia are having problems dealing with aerial balls in general, and set-pieces in particular, and this was confirmed when the team conceded a late second goal against Racing, with goalkeeper Diego Alves partially to blame following some indecisiveness in dealing with crosses.
Emery must also make do without some of his key men here, such as impressive defender Adil Rami and right midfielder Pablo Hernandez, complicating the task against the Blaugrana.
Tough Waters
Barcelona’s away demons came back to haunt them at the weekend as the team could only manage a scoreless stalemate at the Madrigal against Villarreal, while league leaders Real Madrid eventually overcame Real Zaragoza by a 3-1 scoreline at the Bernabeu. With the gap now widened to seven points, it would surely take a miracle for Barcelona to defend the crown they have held for the past three seasons.
While Josep Guardiola’s side eventually overcame a late scare in their Copa del Rey quarter-final tie as they faced a battling Real Madrid, the club could not build on their last away triumph against Malaga, wasting chances that they should have easily put away when facing Villarreal.
Speaking post-match, defender Carles Puyol would not make any excuses, and refused to accept that the league is lost. “There are absolutely no excuses. The players are used to playing every three days”, declared the team skipper. “The team will react; we’ll do more, whatever we must to win. La Liga is not lost. We will not give up."
Barcelona have the perfect opportunity to put themselves in the driving seat to win the Copa del Rey. This in turn could have a very positive effect on their La Liga and Champions League campaigns.
Recent form
Valencia:
Osasuna 1-1 Valencia (22/01; La Liga)
Levante 0-3 Valencia (26/01; Copa del Rey)
Racing Santander 2-2 Valencia (29/01; La Liga)
Barcelona:
Malaga 1-4 Barcelona (22/01; La Liga)
Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (25/01; Copa del Rey)
Villarreal 0-0 Barcelona (28/01; La Liga)
Key absences
Valencia: Miguel; Adil Rami; Pablo Hernandez; Cristiano; Sergio Canales; Hedwiges Maduro; David Albelda
Barcelona: Pedro; Andres Iniesta; Alexis Sanchez; Andreu Fontas; Seydou Keita; David Villa; Ibrahim Afellay
Players to watch
Valencia – Diego Alves: Touted once as one of the best players in the world, the custodian regressed somewhat after lacklustre showings with Almeria and now Valencia. Up against a mammoth attacking force, there is no room for mistakes.
Barcelona – Lionel Messi: The world’s best player was unable to prevent further insult being added to injury for his side against Villarreal, with no way through against the Yellow Submarine. Against Valencia, he will need to show up when his team-mates need him most.
Match Prediction
Barcelona will put their all into this game to bounce back and erase worries about their form on the road. Valencia should be encouraged by the Blaugrana’s recent showings, but unfortunately are certain underdogs here. Valencia 1-2 Barcelona.
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