Athletic Bilbao - Valencia: Tips, Prognosis & Odds -02/10/2022 - SPAIN: Copa del Rey
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Athletic Bilbao - Valencia: Tips, Prognosis & Odds -02/10/2022 - SPAIN: Copa del Rey
After the quarter-finals in the Spanish King's Cup were played last week, the semi-finals are on the program on Wednesday and Thursday. However, the finalists will be determined in the first and second leg, so only part one is on the program. On Thursday evening there will be a duel between Athletic Bilbao and Valencia in the Basque Country.
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Semi-final first leg between Bilbao and Valencia
Athletic Bilbao have made it to the Copa del Rey finals for the past two years. In this one, however, you had to admit defeat both times, just like in the Spanish Supercup this season. This year they want to finally end the final curse and the conditions are quite good. With Real Madrid and Barcelona they have already knocked out 2 heavyweights and from now on they are the slight favorites for the title. To do this, however, they have to beat Valencia for the first time in the semifinals. The guests will try to create a good starting position for the second leg. For both teams this year is the easiest way to win a title.
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Can Athletic Bilbao reward themselves with the title this year?
After losing 2 finals in a row, Athletic Bilbao is actually ready for the title in the Copa del Rey this year. There they were able to prevail against Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Anything other than the title would certainly be a disappointment. However, FC Valencia is anything but to be underestimated. They show a similar quality as the host.
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Athletic Bilbao – Stats & Current Form
Bilbao's performances in the league
The club is in 8th place in the Spanish Primera Division. Although they lost only 5 of 23 games of the season, 10 games ended in a draw. With 34 points on their account, they are just one point short of an international starting place. The goal difference of 23:18 goals shows the defensive stability of the club. They are the 2nd best defense in the entire league. In their own stadium, 4 of the 5 defeats of the season were conceded and they conceded 13 goals in 11 games. They managed to win their last home game 2-1 against Espanyol.
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In the last sixteen, Bilbao won 2-0 away against the lower-league club Atletico Mancha-Real. The great FC Barcelona followed in the round of 16. In a high-class match, they only won 3:2 in extra time. In the quarter-finals, they beat leaders Real Madrid 1-0. They were able to eliminate both heavyweights. In the semi-final against Valencia they are now playing a two-leg game and are considered slight favourites.
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If you had to describe Athletic Bilbao in just one word, two terms would be absolutely appropriate. "Traditional" fits the Basques like a glove, but in recent years the team has also earned the title of "Cup Specialist". The Basques could reach the final of the Copa del Rey for the third time in a row this season. The dream of winning the 25th title was shattered against local rivals Real Sociedad de San Sebastian and FC Barcelona.
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In any case, Bilbao is a cup team, as the last few years have already shown. Since the 2014/15 season, they have reached the final of the Copa del Rey a total of 3 times. In the 2020/21 season they even secured the Spanish Supercup. This year they lost in the final against Real Madrid. The last 2 finals in the Copa del Rey were also lost. Having already knocked out Real Madrid and FC Barcelona this season, they are considered favorites for the title. Anything else would certainly be a disappointment. Nevertheless, it is not a sure-fire success, because the quality of the competitors is similar.
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Athletic Bilbao beat Espanyol Barcelona 2-1 at home on Monday evening to move up to eighth place in the table. The return to Europe is therefore not only possible via the cup, but the Basques also have a connection to Europe in the national championship.
Expected line-up of Athletic Bilbao:
Agirrezebala - Berchiche, Martinez, Alvarez, de Marcos - Muniain, Garcia, Vesga, Berenguer - I. Williams, Villalibre
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Valencia – Stats & Current Form
Valencia FC - is the focus now on the Copa del Rey?
A cup win paired with a fixed return to Europe would be of enormous importance for the bats from Valencia. The club has been in chaos for many years and supporters' criticism of owner Peter Lim is growing. In December, several thousand fans held a protest march against the boss. The financial difficulties are enormous and Valencia has to separate from the stars again and again.
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Valencia would like to achieve an international starting place this year. After the last very weak performances in the league, the cup may now offer the best chance. There are good teams in the semifinals with Bilbao, Vallecano and Betis, but certainly not invincible ones. In the league, on the other hand, they are already 6 points short of a Europa League place. The bats will therefore focus on the cup and want to surprise against Bilbao.
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Poor performances in the league recently
Just a few weeks ago, the team was within striking distance of an international starting place. After 5 winless games in a row, however, they are now only in 11th place. In the meantime, 5 points are missing for an international starting place. The record is balanced with 7 wins, 9 draws and 7 defeats. Like their opponents, they like to end their games with a draw. With a goal ratio of 35:36 goals, they are the far more dangerous offensive line. Only 3 teams conceded more goals.
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In order for the 2018/19 cup winner to be able to dream of the final again, an increase in performance is definitely needed. With far better results at home, the Bordalas side will take very little risk on Thursday and try to keep the goalless draw as long as possible. The final should then be fixed in the Mestalla, so a tip for a few goals at Athletic Bilbao against Valencia is obvious.
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Estimated line-up of Valencia:
Domenech - Gaya, Comert, Diakhaby, Correira - Gil, Guillamon, Soler, Foulqouier - Guedes, Duro
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Athletic Bilbao – Valencia Head-to-Head / H2H Results
This cup semi-final will be a duel at eye level according to the most recent duels in the Spanish league. In the last three games between Athletic Bilbao and Valencia, the tip to share the points was always the right choice. On Thursday in San Mames betting odds around 3.50 are offered.
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In the domestic championship, the teams faced each other at the Mestalla Stadium at the end of September. The bats from Valencia secured a lucky draw in front of their home crowd with a last-minute goal.
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FC Valencia has already played 5 games in the cup. In the 2nd round there were only duels against lower-class clubs until the quarter-finals. It was only in the quarter-finals that they met a top-flight club, FC Cadiz. This game was won by a narrow margin of 2:1.
Tips and predictions
Bilbao have home advantage in the first leg and will be brimming with confidence after victories against Barcelona and Real Madrid. FC Valencia is also without a win in the league for 5 games. Tip 1 is recommended with a certain risk. Valencia's goal will be an away goal. As the safest bet variant, we therefore consider a tip on "over 1.5 goals".
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