BETTING GUIDE: Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao, Match Preview, Team News and Prediction
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 03.02.26. | 22:00
Between them, the two sides have lifted this trophy an incredible 32 times, underlining the pedigree of this tie
Valencia and Athletic Bilbao meet on Wednesday night at the Estadio De Mestalla in a heavyweight Copa del Rey quarter-final clash, with a place in the final four at stake.
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Between them, the two sides have lifted this trophy an incredible 32 times, underlining the pedigree of this tie.
Valencia, eight-time winners, are aiming to rediscover past glory, while Athletic Bilbao, second only to Barcelona in Copa success with 24 titles, arrive eager to assert their dominance in a competition that has long defined their identity.
The knockout format raises the stakes significantly, especially for two sides enduring inconsistent league campaigns and viewing this competition as a realistic route to silverware.
Valencia comes into the tie after a narrow 2–1 defeat away to Real Betis in LaLiga, a result that leaves them 15th in the table and just two points above the relegation zone.
Despite league struggles, their Copa run has been impressive, requiring four wins to reach this stage against Maracena, Cartagena, Sporting Gijón and Burgos.
Across their last five matches in all competitions, Los Che have scored seven goals and conceded seven, highlighting both attacking threat and defensive vulnerability.
At home, however, form has been steadier, with Valencia unbeaten in their last six matches at Mestalla.
Team news is mixed for Carlos Corberán’s side. Julen Agirrezabala, Thierry Correia and Mouctar Diakhaby remain sidelined through injury, but rotation is expected, with Umar Sadiq, André Almeida and Baptiste Santamaría pushing for starts.
Key figures such as Pepelu and José Gayà remain central to Valencia’s structure, while Sadiq’s physical presence could be decisive in a tight contest.
Athletic Bilbao arrive following a dramatic 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the Basque derby, salvaged by an 88th-minute equaliser from Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta.
That result typified their season - competitive but inconsistent - with Ernesto Valverde’s side sitting 11th in LaLiga, four points clear of relegation.
Their last five matches have been open affairs, producing 22 total goals, with Athletic scoring 11 and conceding 11.
Away from home, defensive issues persist, particularly under sustained pressure.
Injuries significantly affect Athletic’s options. Aymeric Laporte, Dani Vivian, Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams are all unavailable or doubtful, weakening both defensive solidity and attacking explosiveness.
Valverde is expected to rotate, with Álex Padilla likely in goal and Iñaki Williams leading the line, supported by Berenguer and Guruzeta.
Head-to-head history adds intrigue. Valencia won 2-0 when the sides met in LaLiga earlier this season, though Athletic eliminated Los Che at the same Copa stage in 2023 with a 3-1 victory.
Recent meetings have generally been tight, with four of the last six producing two goals or fewer.
Key Betting Pointers
- Valencia have won three of their last four matches
- Athletic have lost three of their last five games
- Valencia are unbeaten in six straight home matches
- The hosts won the most recent head-to-head meeting
All factors considered, home advantage, slightly stronger recent form, and Athletic’s injury list tilt the balance toward the hosts.
Valencia’s comfort at Mestalla and prior success against Athletic this season provide additional confidence.
Prediction: Valencia to win
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling
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