Barcelona Faces Valencia in High-Stakes Copa del Rey Quarterfinal

VALENCIA, Spain — FC Barcelona faces Valencia CF in a high-stakes Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash at Mestalla Stadium on Thursday, just 11 days after Barcelona’s dominant 7-1 league victory over the same opponent. The match comes as Valencia fights to escape relegation in La Liga, sitting just four points from safety.

Barcelona, the tournament favorite, enters the match with a different mindset than their recent league encounter. Head coach Hansi Flick emphasized the importance of the game, stating, “We won’t win a title in Valencia, but I don’t want to lose it.” The German manager is expected to rotate his squad, with Wojciech Szczesny confirmed as the starting goalkeeper. Key players like Robert Lewandowski may be rested, while others, including Ferran Torres, could feature against their former club.

Valencia, despite their struggles in La Liga, has a strong history in the Copa del Rey, having won six titles. Coach Carlos Corberán acknowledged the challenge, saying, “The match must be very different from the one in Barcelona.” The team will be without several key players, including Thierry Correia and Foulquier, but Diakhaby is expected to continue his recovery from a serious knee injury.

The quarterfinal is a single-elimination match, adding pressure to both sides. Barcelona last won the Copa del Rey in 2021 under Ronald Koeman and is eager to reclaim the title. Valencia, meanwhile, sees the tournament as a potential lifeline in an otherwise turbulent season.

The match kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be officiated by referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias. Mestalla Stadium, known for its hostile atmosphere, could play a decisive role in the outcome.