The memory of Bordalás will take you 25 years ago today. In his early years as a coach when he visited fields like Utrillas every weekend. In regional category, when he directed Alicante B or Muchavista, the usual thing was to travel by bus and play on artificial grass or even dirt pitches. There where the coach of Valencia today carved out his career.
Utrillas awaits Valencia with a crowded. Of the 200 or 300 fans who watch a league game in La Vega will increase to 2,500 from this night. Extra stands, access to the changing rooms renovated for the occasion, press room, special lighting, live televised game nationwide … The illusion of a whole town. A night that will be remembered by the oldest residents of the place in many decades.
Obviously once the referee whistles, Valencia will have to forget the picturesqueness of the venue and get a party ahead that for Utrillas is “the one of their lives.” That is the main danger: that Despite the stark difference in quality between one and the other, the home team take it as the most important game of their careers (that they will) and that Valencia let go.
It is not the first time that a bell of these characteristics has occurred. It is very difficult but not impossible. Because, Bordalás has prepared the game as if it were a League one. Only two Mestalla footballers (Iranzo and Tárrega) travel and the eleven will be made up entirely of first-team regulars. Foulquier and Diakhaby, sanctioned in Vigo, will be the game.
Yes, some they will rest, like Cillessen. In goal, even so, there are three players for a position: Mamardashvili, Jaume and Rivero. In addition, it is most likely that the Alderete, Gayà, Soler or Guedes also have rest.