King’s Cup: Valencia 1-Athletic 0 | Guedes style opens La Cartuja

Much had been said about the Bordalás style and his relationship with Marcelino, much had been written about DNA and rough and tumble teams; of interruptions, mischief, faults and loss of time. And all for what at the moment of truth the semifinal was decided by talent, it was resolved by quality, that of Gonçalo Guedes. Beast his goal. The Portuguese imposed his style and qualified Valencia for its 18th Copa del Rey final, the second of the Lim era. How little the owner appreciates this tournament and how much this final means for Valencianism. Another one in Seville, as in 2019; again in La Cartuja, as in 1999. Bordalás will experience his first final, Marcelino is left without what would have been his fourth in a row. Athletic fell in a tie, something that they had not felt for three years, that they had not suffered.

The match was just one more part of the life experience that this semi-final has been, which started in San Mamés, was played in the press room and was resolved in Mestalla. The reception to Valencia was one of those that are not forgotten. Sentiment in vein and unprecedented in terms of its duration. Either because Fallas are coming, because we freed ourselves from the pandemic or because Seville has a special color. The black and white fans showed passion and unconditional respect three hours before. Also sanity. From his seat on the bus Gayà would see the crowd, by the thousands, knowing the captain who would be the starter, although he was not up for it as it turned out. The stands warmed up as part of the match, the chant from “Long live Valencia!” 40,000 throats in unison, and it was then learned that Lekue would take the place of De Marcos, whose stomach deprived him of the show.

Athletic was not intimidated by the atmosphere. After all, Marcelino pulled an eleven with an average age of 30 years to make it so. Neither did he condition Gil Manzano, who showed his personality, hence his choice, and reached the shore with only five warnings. Valencia came out infected by the electricity of Mestalla and his proposal was for a tirao palante team, with three centrals, although advanced lines and pressure after loss. But he lacked clarity on the last pass and until Guedes’ goal only Bryan Gil (“Bryan stay” asked Mestalla standing up) had knocked on Agirrezabala’s door.

Athletic, on the other hand, in their bursts of dominance, because the second leg was also streaky like the first legyes it really worried Mamardashvilithat was colossal in a heads up with Iñaki Williams. However, when it seemed that Bordalás wanted to get to the break to put his men back together after the recurrence of Gayà’s injury, Guedes performed an exorcism on the front and he took out angels and demons from his right leg. What power. What hit. what a goal Guedes was not transferred in the summer or in January so that he could revalue himself under the orders of Bordalás and there is his work.

Once Valencia got ahead, the night entered another phase: resistance against blows. And there Mestalla played. A lot. Very much. Athletic, no matter how many offensive people Marcelino put in, neither knew nor could overcome Che’s defense. Bordalás changed drawings and pieces without losing freshness or composure. Only the brief advantage kept Athletic alive, because one was enough to force at least the extra time. But nothing. Valencia will return to Seville in April to play another Cup final. What things football has. Guedes blew up Mestalla and opened La Cartuja.