?Match Report: Road to Seville (1-0) ??

Valencia CF will play against Real Betis Blamompié at Mestalla at 9 pm kick-off in the Copa del Rey second leg semi-finals. Valencia CF had a quiet start to the match with Real Betis and Valencia CF exchanging possession. Gabriel Paulista had the first chance for Valencia with a header that went over the bar.

The was a start-stop play in midfield. Jaume Doménech was called into action late on in the first half and the keeper did well to push away Jesé’s shot on the turn. The first half between Valencia CF and Real Betis Valencia CF finished goalless at half-time.

Valencia CF came out in the second half looking to score and Rodrigo Moreno drew blood on 55 minutes stabbing home Kevin Gameiro’s ball over the top from close range to put the final beyond doubt.

The match finished 1-0 for Valencia CF who will return to Seville 20 years on from their 1999 Copa del Rey final in Seville against Atletico Madrid at La Cartuja. Valencia CF will host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday at 8:45 pm kick-off time at Mestalla on matchday 26 of LaLiga Santander.

Match Details:

1. Valencia CF: Domènech, Piccini, Roncaglia, G. Paulista, Gayà, Parejo, Coquelin, Wass (Carlos Soler, 75), Guedes, Rodrigo M. (Cheryshev, 68) and Gameiro (Diakhaby, m. 85).

0. Real Betis: Joel, Mandi, Sidnei (Zou Feddal, 84), Bartra, Joaquín, Francis G (Loren, 65), William, S. Canales, Lo Celso, A. Guardado (C. Tello, m 79) and Jesé.

Goal: 1-0 M. 56: Rodrigo.

Referee: González González, He booked Gabriel Paulista and Jaume Domènech for Valencia CF, and Joaquín for Betis.

Observation: Second leg of the Copa de Rey semi-finals, played on Thursday at 9 pm kick-off time at Mestalla before 45,222 spectators. Stunning mosaic that read Volem La Copa. A respectful minute’s silence was observed, a round applause around the stadium in admiration in memory of the historic black-and-whites former player the late Waldo Machado. The players wore black armbands in their memory. Spanish national head coach Luis Enrique was present in the stands.