The Copa del Rey quarter-final match between Valencia and Barcelona will take place on February 6 at the Mestalla Stadium. Valencia vs. Barcelona: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Valencia
Valencia cruised through the previous four rounds without much trouble. Playing away, the team defeated all lower-league opponents in regular time, conceding just one goal in four matches. Last season, the club was halted at the last-16 stage, losing at home to Celta Vigo (1-3). Valencia last reached the final in 2022, where they lost to Betis on penalties (1-1, extra time 0-0, penalties 4-5).
Defender Thierry Correia will miss the match due to injury.
- In their last 19 Copa del Rey matches, the club has lost in regular time only twice (13 wins and 4 draws).
- No more than three goals were scored in 90 minutes in 6 of Valencia's last 8 games in this tournament.
- The number "1" appeared in the scoreline at the end of regular time in six of Valencia's last home matches in the Copa del Rey.
Predicted lineup for Valencia (4-2-3-1)
Stole Dimitrievski – Jarek Gasirowski, Jesus Vazquez, Dimitri Foulquier, Christian Mosquera – Hugo Guillamon, Pepelu – Sergi Canos, German Valera, Martin Tejon – Umar Sadiq.
Barcelona
The Catalans confidently navigated the previous two stages of the Copa del Rey. First, they thrashed Barbastro 4-0 away, and then they comfortably defeated Betis 5-1 at home. Last season, the club only reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to the eventual tournament winners, Athletic Bilbao (2-2, extra time 0-2). Barcelona last appeared in the Copa del Rey final in 2021, when they defeated Bilbao 4-0.
Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, defender Andreas Christensen, and midfielder Marc Bernal are out due to injuries. The participation of midfielders Gavi and Dani Olmo is doubtful.
- At least four goals were scored in regular time in Barcelona's last six matches in this tournament.
- In their last 14 Copa del Rey matches, the Catalans have lost only once in 90 minutes (9 wins and 4 draws).
- The club scored at least two goals in regular time in 8 of their last 9 Copa del Rey matches.
Predicted lineup for Barcelona (4-2-3-1)
Inaki Pena – Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin – Frenkie de Jong, Pedri – Raphinha Dias, Gavi, Lamine Yamal – Dani Olmo.
Referee
Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias (Spain)
Matches – 16 (La Liga, Super Cup, and Copa del Rey, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 56;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 19;
Penalties – 6%.
Match Prediction: Valencia vs. Barcelona
Hans Flick's side has already won one trophy this season – the national Super Cup. Winning the league will be challenging, so I believe the team will focus its main efforts on the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. The club's strong intent for the domestic cup was evident in the previous round, where they dominated Betis, a team fighting for a European spot. Valencia is noticeably weaker than the Seville side and is focused on survival in La Liga this season.
Barcelona has a strong record against this opponent. In the last nine La Liga encounters, the Catalans have won eight times, with one draw. It's also worth noting that on January 26, Hans Flick's side thrashed Valencia 7-1 at their home ground. I expect the Catalans to secure another convincing victory. My prediction: Barcelona with a handicap (-1)
* Each team's lineup reflects their starting XI from their last match in this tournament.
