Copa del Rey: Valencia vs Barcelona Preview – February 6, 2025

Copa del Rey: Valencia vs Barcelona Preview – February 6, 2025



The Copa del Rey continues with an electrifying quarterfinal clash as Valencia hosts Barcelona at the Mestalla on February 6, 2025. Both sides will be looking to progress further in Spain’s prestigious knockout competition, with Barcelona aiming to reclaim past glory and Valencia seeking an upset against the Catalan giants.

 

Event Details

  • Fixture: Valencia vs. Barcelona
  • Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
  • Kick-Off Time: 21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET
  • Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia, Spain
  • Broadcast & Live Stream:
    • Spain: Movistar+, RTVE
    • UK: Viaplay, ITV
    • US: ESPN+, TUDN
    • Worldwide: Available via regional broadcasters and streaming services

 

Team News

Valencia

Valencia has been enjoying a solid campaign under coach Rubรฉn Baraja, with a young and determined squad capable of competing at the highest level. Their form in La Liga has been encouraging, and they will rely on home support at Mestalla to challenge Barcelona.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Josรฉ Gayร : Doubtful due to a muscle strain.
    • Hugo Duro: Expected to return from a minor injury.
    • Gabriel Paulista: Suspended for this fixture.
  • Key Players:
    • Andrรฉ Almeida: A creative force in midfield.
    • Hugo Guillamรณn: Solid presence in defensive midfield.
    • Javi Guerra: A rising star who could trouble Barcelona's defense.





Barcelona

Xavi Hernรกndez's Barcelona will be looking to continue their pursuit of silverware. While La Liga remains a priority, the Copa del Rey offers an excellent opportunity to claim a title. The Catalan giants will have to manage squad rotation with a busy schedule ahead.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Frenkie de Jong: Out with an ankle injury.
    • Pedri: Questionable due to fitness concerns.
    • Ronald Araรบjo: Suspended for this game.
  • Key Players:
    • Robert Lewandowski: A goal machine and focal point in attack.
    • Gavi: Barcelona's engine in midfield.
    • Joรฃo Cancelo: A versatile and attacking full-back.

 

Possible Lineups

Valencia (4-3-3):

  • Goalkeeper: Giorgi Mamardashvili
  • Defenders: Thierry Correia, Mouctar Diakhaby, Cristhian Mosquera, Dimitri Foulquier
  • Midfielders: Hugo Guillamรณn, Andrรฉ Almeida, Javi Guerra
  • Forwards: Diego Lรณpez, Hugo Duro, Fran Pรฉrez

Barcelona (4-3-3):

  • Goalkeeper: Marc-Andrรฉ ter Stegen
  • Defenders: Joรฃo Cancelo, Jules Koundรฉ, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde
  • Midfielders: Gavi, Ilkay Gรผndogan, Oriol Romeu
  • Forwards: Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres

 

Playing Ground: Estadio de Mestalla

The Mestalla, one of Spain’s most iconic stadiums, provides a hostile atmosphere for visiting teams. With a capacity of around 49,000, Valencia’s passionate supporters will make it a challenging venue for Barcelona. The narrow pitch and intense crowd will add to the drama of this quarterfinal clash.

 

Head-to-Head Record

  • Total Matches: 185
  • Barcelona Wins: 97
  • Valencia Wins: 45
  • Draws: 43

Barcelona has historically dominated this fixture, but Valencia has pulled off famous victories in the past, including a memorable Copa del Rey final win in 2019.

 

Match Preview

Valencia’s Tactical Approach

Valencia will look to stay compact in defense and frustrate Barcelona by cutting off their passing lanes. Quick counterattacks led by their wingers and pressing high in key moments could be their best chance at upsetting the visitors.

Barcelona’s Strategy

Barcelona will likely dominate possession and use their technical quality to break down Valencia’s defense. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Gavi and Gรผndogan expected to dictate the tempo of the game.

 

Key Battles

  1. Hugo Guillamรณn vs. Ilkay Gรผndogan: A battle for midfield control.
  2. Thierry Correia vs. Raphinha: Valencia’s full-back tasked with stopping Barcelona’s dangerous winger.
  3. Mouctar Diakhaby vs. Robert Lewandowski: The key defensive matchup that could decide the game.

 

Betting Odds & Predictions

  • Valencia Win: 4/1
  • Barcelona Win: 3/5
  • Draw: 11/4

Barcelona enters the match as favorites, but Valencia’s home advantage could make this a closer contest than expected. A 2-1 victory for Barcelona seems a likely outcome.

 

How to Watch

Spain:

  • Movistar+, RTVE

United Kingdom:

  • Viaplay, ITV

United States:

  • ESPN+, TUDN

Global:

  • Check regional broadcasters for live streaming and TV options.

 

Conclusion

Valencia vs. Barcelona in the Copa del Rey promises to be a thrilling contest at Mestalla. While Barcelona boasts the stronger squad, Valencia’s tactical discipline and home support could make this an exciting and competitive encounter. Fans can expect a high-energy match as both teams fight for a place in the semifinals.