Football

Copa Del Rey: Rayo and Valencia scrape into semis

Rayo Vallecano reached the semifinals of the Copa del Rey for the first time in 40 years on Wednesday after they beat Mallorca 1-0 at a jubilant Vallecas.
Oscar Trejo’s penalty just before half-time was enough to seal victory for Rayo, who will now attempt to make their first ever final in the competition.
They will be joined in the last four by Valencia, who defeated Cadiz 2-1, Hugo Duro heading in a late winner at Mestalla.
On Thursday, La Liga leaders Real Madrid play Athletic Bilbao at San Mames and Real Sociedad host Real Betis in the other two quarterfinals.
Rayo’s winner came in the 44th minute after Alvaro Garcia fooled Franco Russo with a sharp turn in the box and toppled over the sliding Mallorca defender. Trejo guided the penalty confidently into the corner.
Rayo returned to La Liga this season and have enjoyed a superb campaign so far. They beat Barcelona in October and now sit eighth in the table, with survival all but already secured.
They are only the fifth promoted team in the top flight to make the Copa del Rey semifinals this century.
Valencia have won the cup eight times, most recently in 2019 when they overcame Barca in the final, and they scraped past Cadiz thanks to Duro’s header 11 minutes from time.
Cadiz had levelled when new signing Lucas Perez scored a penalty to cancel out Goncalo Guedes’ opener but Duro ensured Valencia avoided an upset. Cadiz’s Juan Cala was sent off late on.
AFP

Related Post
Share
Published by
Elizabeth Ngirau

Recent Posts

PSG could leave Parc des Princes after mayor turns down sale

French champions exploring ‘alternative options’ after Paris mayor says Parc des Princes is not for… Read More

January 17, 2023

A billion spent by Manchester United and they still trail Man City

Manchester United and Manchester City will clash this Saturday but who has spent more over… Read More

January 13, 2023

Nathan Jones hits back at his critics after Manchester City win

Nathan Jones: "I don't know if I changed perceptions. Within 10 minutes of the Brighton… Read More

January 12, 2023

Rashford double helps Man Utd past Charlton | Ten Hag: We are progressing

Man Utd beat League One side Charlton 3-0 at Old Trafford to reach the Carabao… Read More

January 11, 2023

Arsenal could face a huge FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester City at the Etihad

FA Cup fourth round could see Arsenal away to Manchester City; Gunners must beat Oxford… Read More

January 9, 2023

Gunners miss chance to go 10 points clear in stalemate

Arsenal are left frustrated by Newcastle's superb defence; Mikel Arteta's team are now eight points… Read More

January 4, 2023