Valencia and Barcelona will both be targeting a spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals when they go head-to-head in Thursday’s quarter-final clash.
The two sides are set to meet less than two weeks after Barcelona ran rampant at Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys to thrash Los Che 7-1 in a La Liga encounter.
Valencia’s overriding priority is to preserve their top-flight status, with the club currently at risk of suffering their first relegation since 1985-86.
Los Che are now preparing to face top-flight opposition for the first time in their Copa del Rey journey, with the hosts hoping to spring a surprise to keep their hopes alive of winning the cup for the eighth time and the first time since 2018-19.
However, Valencia will be fully aware that they have their work cut out to beat Barcelona, especially as they have not claimed a head-to-head victory since recording a 2-0 home win in January 2020.
Barcelona have been in fine form in 2025, having won seven and drawn two of their last seven competitive matches since losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in their final game of 2024.
Valencia will be relieved to have home advantage after they fell to a heavy 7-1 away defeat against Barcelona last month, but while the hosts should make it a closer contest this time around, we ultimately believe that Barcelona’s attacking quality will shine through.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
