Valencia welcomed Real Madrid to the Mestalla on Wednesday needing to overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit if they were to advance to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
A tight opening period was decided by just the one goal as Karim Benzema pounced in the Valencia box to thump his effort into the bottom corner.
The home side were handed a route back into the tie in the early stages of the second period when Fabio Coentrao was dismissed, with Tino Costa scoring from the resulting free kick.
However, it was a case of too little too late with Jose Mourinho's side advancing to the semi-finals courtesy of a 3-1 aggregate score.
There was to be late drama, however, with Angel di Maria receiving a red card as Madrid ended the match with nine men.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Arguably the tie of the round concludes this evening as Valencia welcome Spanish champions Real Madrid to the Mestalla. The first leg was a close affair, with Valencia passing up a host of chances to score an away goal. However, Madrid were 5-0 winners when the pair met at the weekend. Incidentally that was Valencia’s biggest-ever home defeat in La Liga.
The home side will enter the match confident of turning things around, however, having won seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions. Their impressive form in La Liga has taken them into seventh spot in the table, just five points off a Champions League place. Meanwhile, they have won seven of their 11 league matches on their home turf this season.
Madrid, despite their recent troubles, are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, winning four in the process. They have also won each of their last four matches at the Mestalla with an incredible aggregate score of 17-7. They will once more look to Cristiano Ronaldo this evening, with the Portuguese attacker scoring seven goals in his last four matches.
TEAMS:
VALENCIA: Guaita; Costa, Rami, Pereira, Cissokho; Ruiz, Guardado, Costa, Viera; Valdez, Jonas
REAL MADRID: Casillas; Arbeloa, Varane, Albiol, Coentrao; Khedira, Alonso, Ozil; Ronaldo, Benzema, Di Maria
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. A quick word on the main team news, there is no Roberto Soldado for Valencia, with Nelson Valdez replacing the forward. Meanwhile, Madrid have Angel di Maria, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack. The away side get the action underway.
Early opening for the away side as Mesut Ozil drives into the Valencia half before finding Ronaldo, but the Portuguese just cannot evade Joao Pereira in the penalty area and the defender manages to clear the danger. Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but not too far off.
First flare-up of the match as Xabi Alonso dives into a challenge with Victor Ruiz, leaving the Spanish midfielder on the ground. Both sets of players surround the referee, but the official refuses to get his cards out. Tino Costa strikes the resulting set piece, but it is deflected over the crossbar for a corner.
Half-chance from the corner as Ricardo Costa throws himself at a deep cross, but Ronaldo just gets an elusive touch on the ball and it moves out of the danger zone. You just get the feeling that the home side have to score first this evening. They really need their home supporters to stay with them whatever happens in the minutes ahead.
It has been a strong start from both sides with Madrid very much playing on the counter, but Valencia are forcing the issue as they go in search of the opening goal. A reminder that the only way we can have extra-time this evening is if Valencia win 2-0 on the night. If Madrid score then Valencia would need four, that is the power of the away goal.
CHANCE! Clearest opening of the match by some distance as Ronaldo collects a loose pass from Jonas before driving into the penalty area, but his low shot is pushed away by Guaita. That is wonderful goalkeeping from the Spaniard. The pressure remains as Ozil dances past two defenders, but eventually Rami clears under pressure.
Any Madrid fans out there questioning why Sergio Ramos and Pepe are not on display this evening, the former is in the middle of a five-match ban, while the latter is still injured. Ricardo Carvalho, who has been in the team in recent weeks, takes his place on the bench. Bright opening 12 minutes to proceedings here but the score remains 0-0, despite the best efforts of Arbeloa, who whips a low cross into the box.
Again Madrid are on the counter as Benzema takes possession away from Ruiz before finding Ronaldo in the box, but the attacker just cannot release a strike on goal with Pereira back to make the challenge. Guardado threatens down the other end with a low cross into the box, but the ever-impressive Varane thumps clear.
Controversy here as the referee awards a free kick to Iker Casillas, despite replays suggesting that the Spanish goalkeeper was not touched during a corner. In fairness to the away side the danger was cleared, but that is a nervy moment for the stopper. However, after a brief spell of treatment, he is deemed fit to continue.
Or is he fit to continue? Casillas shakes his head and walks off the pitch. There did not appear to be anything in that situation, but the Spaniard is not happy. It could well be a broken bone. Reserve goalkeeper Adan, who has been in the team in recent weeks, takes his place on the field.
Finally the action is back underway following that hold-up. We will get more word on Casillas when it becomes known the extent of his suffering. Valencia threaten with another free kick as Costa delivers straight into the penalty area, but Adan comes out to punch the danger clear. First involvement for the Madrid stopper.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both teams guilty of giving away possession with poor passes. Valencia continue to attack with numbers, but Madrid are sitting back and breaking on the counter. Two very different styles. The first goal - if there indeed is one - will be just so vital.
Again the home side force the issue with Jonas and Guardado combining down the left, but the latter's cross is headed clear by Varane. The pressure continues with a host of throws in the Madrid half, but the hosts are just finding it hard to play the correct pass in the final third as things stand. Little over 20 minutes of the opening period remaining.
CHANCE! Valencia create their best chance of the match as Guardado finds Jonas in the penalty area with a fine pass, but the Brazilian can only slice his effort wide of the target. The playmaker had a host of chances in the first leg and he appears to have once more forgotten his shooting boots here.
Madrid are just camped on the edge of their penalty area at the moment as the home side continue to fire crosses into the danger zone. Again it's good work from Guardado as the Mexican combines with Valdez before driving a low cross towards Jonas, but Varane was across to clear. Meanwhile, Di Maria appears to have a slight problem here as he is caught by Ruiz.
Valencia have just started to force the issue with Viera looking for a pass behind the Madrid defence, but it is just too long for Valdez. The away side are sitting incredibly deep and the hosts just cannot find room to play the elusive final pass. Little over 15 minutes of the first period to play and it remains 0-0 on the night. Madrid continue to lead 2-0 on aggregate.
It must be said that the home supporters are creating a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium with flags aplenty. A half-chance arrives for Valencia as Valdez meets a cross from Costa, but the experienced striker can only head straight at Adan. Either side of the goalkeeper and that would have been the decisive opening goal.
Not a great deal to report in the past few moments with neither side able to create too much in the final third. Madrid's threat has just dissolved, but they are so dangerous on the counter with the pace of Ronaldo and Di Maria. This match just needs a goal to liven proceedings. For the neutral, a home goal would certainly increase the excitement.
Madrid have just stunted the tempo with Alonso and Khedira keeping hold of the possession in midfield, frustrating the life out of the home side. A half-chance does arrive for Valencia as Valdez collects a loose ball in the box before striking towards the bottom corner, but Albiol is across to make a fine block. The resulting corner is delivered by Costa, but it comes to nothing.
End-to-end football in the latter stages of the first period with Coentrao combining with Ronaldo before whipping a low cross into the Valencia box, the danger is cleared to Viera, but his first touch is poor and Adan is out to collect. A reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Barcelona or Malaga in the next round.
Half-chance for the away side as Di Maria collects possession outside the box before striking a powerful effort towards goal, but Guaita is across to make the save. The resulting corner is taken by Ozil, but Rami is across to head clear. Valencia cannot concede the first goal this evening it is as simple as that.
For all Valencia's pressure in the final third, they have not really created too much to get excited about. Meanwhile, Madrid are so impressive on the counter. The first card of the evening is awarded to Costa as the Argentine chops Ronaldo to the ground. The resulting free kick causes chaos in the Valencia box, but the ever-impressive Rami heads clear.
The pressure continues from the home side with Guardado attacking down the left, but the Mexican loses possession before fouling Coentrao in attempting to recollect. Pereira also has his name taken for a foul on Ronaldo moments later.
GOAL! Valencia 0-1 Real Madrid (Benzema)
Madrid have their away goal and put one foot in the final four of the competition. It is wonderful from Alonso as the Spaniard finds Benzema in the penalty area, the Frenchman makes no mistake as he takes one touch to set before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. Valencia need to score four without reply here.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of time at the end of the half and we are into the second of those. Valencia really need to keep their heads here as they continue to fly into challenges. Another Madrid goal at this stage would certainly book their spot.
Valencia come close with an effort of their own as Jonas meets a cross from Costa, but the Brazilian can only head straight at Adan. The playmaker had a host of chances to score in the first leg, and indeed this evening, but he has been unable to find the back of the net. Little over 30 seconds of stoppage time remaining.
HALF-TIME: Valencia 0-1 Real Madrid (Madrid lead 3-0 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Valencia need to score four goals without reply in the second period in order to book their spot in the final four of the competition. A reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Barcelona or Malaga in the next round.
Valencia certainly forced the issue in the early stages and did have half-chances to open their tally, but Jonas was once more guilty of poor finishing. The same cannot be said of Benzema, who collected a pass from Alonso before finding the back of the net in the final moments of the half.
Let's take a look at both benches for this evening. Valencia have the likes of Sergio Canales, Pablo Piatti and Juan Bernat in reserve and could make changes at the interval. Meanwhile, Madrid have the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Jose Callejon and Luka Modric in their 16. Some bench to have.
The task is hard enough for Valencia as things stand, but you have to feel that they need to score the next goal to have any chance of making the next round. They need to score four goals without reply. You have to fancy Madrid to score on the break with their wealth of attacking talent. The second period is minutes away.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. One change at the interval with Banega on to replace Costa for Valencia. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the action. A reminder that this match can no longer go into extra-time due to the away goals rule. Valencia must go for broke here. The home side get the second period underway.
Confident start to the second period from Madrid with Alonso and Khedira taking control of the midfield. It has been a very impressive away performance from Jose Mourinho's side thus far. A half-chance arrives for the home side as Pereira finds Viera in the box, but the Spaniard can only head wide of the target.
Slightly untidy period to the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of giving away a host of free kicks in the opposing half. The latest is whipped into the Madrid box by Costa, but once more Varane is on hand to head clear before Di Maria finds Ronaldo on the break.
Half-chance for Madrid in the resulting attack as Di Maria darts into the penalty area before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but Guaita is across to make the save. Meanwhile, it appears that Coentrao could be in trouble here for a handball.
RED CARD: Coentrao: Madrid are reduced to 10 men as Coentrao is adjudged to have handballed outside the penalty area. It was a harsh decision, but going by the rule of any handball is a yellow, he simply had to go for that.
GOAL! Valencia 1-1 Real Madrid (Costa)
What a couple of moments! Valencia score from the resulting free kick as Costa whips a free kick into the bottom corner. Stunning effort. Meanwhile, Madrid make their second change of the evening as Nacho replaces Ozil.
Valencia have some hope in this tie and it has certainly raised the supporters. The only problem is that they need to score another three goals. Another opportunity arrives as Costa thumps an effort from outside the box, but it was always rising over the crossbar. What an opening to this second period. Surely the home side cannot do it?
Valencia continue to force the issue as they commit numbers to each attack, but it is leaving gaps in defence with Ronaldo and Di Maria threatening to open the door at the other end. I think it would be safe to assume that another Madrid goal would end this tie as a contest. But Valencia simply have to keep believing that they can craft something.
Valencia make another change as Piatti replaces Victor Ruiz. They simply have to go for broke here. The home supporters are certainly behind the decision as they raise their voices. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and Valencia have to score three times. Nothing else is good enough.
Half-chance for the home side to craft an opportunity as Banega strikes an effort from outside the box, but Albiol is across to make the block. It comes back with interest, but the away side are comfortable in dealing with the danger once more. Appeals for a penalty as Varane appears to handle in the box, but the referee is not interested.
Jonas attempts to force the issue as he collects possession outside the box before striking an effort on goal, but it was always moving past the post. Another half-chance arrives courtesy of a cross from Piatti, but it just would not drop for Valdez in the box.
Alonso has an effort of his own down the other end as he attempts to catch the goalkeeper off-guard, but it never had enough power to trouble the Spaniard. It is difficult to see any possible way how Valencia get back into this tie. They are capable of scoring, but three without reply?
A rare Madrid attack threatens to cause havoc in the Valencia defence as Ronaldo combines with Di Maria in the final third, but Rami comes across to make a fine clearance. Costa is on hand with another free kick down the other end, but it is very much a similar situation as the danger is cleared.
Again it's Costa who looks the most likely for the home side as the midfielder picks up possession before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. Adan is adjudged to be wasting time, but he is given a warning rather than a card by the official.
Valencia make their third and final change as Canales - making his return from injury this evening - replaces Jonas. Let's hope that he goes on to have a successful second half of the season, he is a fine player and has been cursed with bad luck in recent months. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining here and the home side still lead to score three goals.
Madrid prepare a change of their own with Modric prepping himself for an introduction. The Valencia pressure continues as Viera dances into the box before striking a low effort towards goal, but once more Varane is across to clear. The resulting corner is met by Valdez, but it just would not drop the right side of the post.
Madrid do indeed make the change as Modric comes on to replace Benzema, who has scored his side's only goal of the evening. Incidentally it was the Frenchman's 12th goal in his last 19 matches in this competition. He will get another chance to add to that tally in the next round bar a late comeback here.
Not a great deal to report in the last few moments with Madrid comfortable in dealing with the danger. Valencia have another free kick just inside the opposing half, but the away side continue to drop deep and in doing so make it easy to quell the threat. Not long remaining here.
Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Barcelona or Malaga in the next round. That match takes place tomorrow evening, be sure to join us as the events unfold. This one is just about over with around 10 minutes remaining. Valencia have possession, but it appears that they are hitting a brick wall each time they play a long pass.
Valencia continue to pass and probe outside the Madrid penalty area, but in their frustration Valdez strikes an effort high and wide of the crossbar. Madrid must be commended for their performance this evening. They are back to their best ahead of next month's Champions League meeting with Manchester United.
Canales has been nice and tidy since coming into the pitch, but he was never going to be able to have an influence on a game of this magnitude with so little fitness. Another half-chance arrives for the home side with a Valdez header, but once more his effort is straight at Adan.
The home supporters have certainly stayed with their side this evening which is good news for the rest of the season. They will head out of the competition this evening, but they still have much to play for in La Liga. A spot in the Champions League is not entirely out of the question.
Little over two minutes of normal time remaining and another half-chance comes and goes for the home side with Costa firing a long pass just out of the reach of Valdez. Adan takes his time over the goal kick. This one is over and everyone inside the ground knows it.
RED CARD: Di Maria: Incredible situation here as Di Maria receives a red card for kicking out at Pereira. Madrid will end the match with nine men. What is it with red cards in this competition? What is the Argentine doing.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time. In truth this match was over as a contest when Madrid scored the opening goal. Valencia simply had to score first in order to stand a chance of making the final four.
Slight handbags in the latter stages of this match as Alonso wants to pick a fight with Pereira, who has had his fair share of run-ins with opposing players this evening. Valencia will end the match in the Madrid half, but they will bow out of the competition at the quarter-final stage.
FULL-TIME: Valencia 1-1 Real Madrid (Madrid advance 3-1 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Madrid book their spot in the final four with a 3-1 aggregate win over Valencia. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more Copa del Rey football tomorrow. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
