Valencia and Osasuna met in the fifth round of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday with the home side holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.
A dull first period burst into life in the latter stages when Tino Costa put Valencia, but Osasuna were level moments later via Joseba Llorente.
Both sides had chances in the second period, but Roberto Soldado scored late on to secure a 2-1 win for Valencia on the night and a 4-1 victory on aggregate.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live coverage of the action below.
Evening all! No rest for the wicked. Our second Copa del Rey commentary of the evening comes from Valencia as the home side welcome a struggling Osasuna outfit. The first leg ended in a 2-0 win for Valencia, placing them as favourites to advance. However, this is cup football and anything can happen.
Valencia certainly enter the match in the better form having lost just one of their last six matches in all competitions. They appear to have overcome early struggles and now look capable of pushing on for a European place in the second half of the season. They have also lost just twice at the Mestalla this season and will therefore be confident of securing their passage.
Osasuna, meanwhile, currently sit bottom of the La Liga table with just 14 points. They have also managed just one win away from home this season, scoring just six goals in those nine matches. They are just two points from safety, however, and a run of wins could see them move away from the bottom three.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Valencia have won three of the last five matches, drawing one and losing the other. They have also scored eight goals in those encounters, conceding just twice in the process. Based on the recent history and the form of the two sides, it is difficult to predict anything other than a home win this evening.
TEAMS:
VALENCIA: Guaita; Barragan, Rami, Cissokho, Ruiz; Albelda, Costa, Bernat; Viera, Valdez, Jonas
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Ruben, Echaide, Lolo, Oier; Arribas, Lamah, Cejudo, Nano; Timor, Llorente
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my prediction. I cannot see anything other than a Valencia win this evening, especially having named such a strong side for this particular match. The home side get the action underway.
Decent start from the home side with Albelda and Viera combining well in the middle of the midfield. The latter attempts to find the run of Valdez in behind the Osasuna defence, but Lolo is across to clear before Costa is adjudged to have felled Lamah.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but a good crowd nonetheless for a midweek game in Spain. Valencia remain the side very much in control of the possession. The latest attack sees Jonas attempt to find the run of Valdez, but his pass is just too long and Fernandez is out to clear.
It's good work from the away side as Timor attacks Rami before winning a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by the Spaniard, but the delivery is poor and Barragan is on hand to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that Osasuna need to score first here to have any chance of progression.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Jonas slips a pass behind the Osasuna defence, but once more it is just too long for Valdez. Another opportunity arrives moments later as Bernat drives a low cross into the box, but Fernandez is equal to the danger. Decent tempo to the opening eight minutes of the match.
Nothing much in attack from the away side in the early stages of the match. Lamah and Cejudo have enjoyed decent touches on the ball, but Llorente has cut an isolated figure in the final third. The pressure continues to rise from Valencia as Cissokho attacks down the left, but he is just denied by Lolo. We are still waiting for the first real chance of the match.
Another half-chance for the home side as Jonas combines with Viera before slipping a pass towards Viera, but the midfielder cannot collect as Fernandez comes out to clear. There could have been a decision to make for the referee had the Osasuna goalkeeper not moved his hands away from the midfielder at the final moment.
Decent pressure from Osasuna in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession. The first brings a save out of Guaita from a Lolo header, but the second is fired straight into the goalkeeper's hands. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters making much of the early noise this evening.
A poor back-pass from Rami almost puts his side in trouble as Cejudo takes control of the possession in midfield, but he attempts to find the back of the net from just inside the centre circle and it moves high of the crossbar. Osasuna have been the better side in the last few minutes.
Another high ball into the Valencia penalty area threatens to cause problems, but confident goalkeeping from Guaita clears the danger. The home side attack down the other end with Jonas, but the Brazilian is just shouldered off the ball by Ruben at the vital moment. The match really needs a goal to liven proceedings with 18 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for the home side as Bernat beats the offside trap before driving into the box, but the angle was always against the midfielder and he could only fire into the stands. That is about as close as either side has come thus far, which tells you everything you need to know.
Couple of half-chances at either end in the last couple of moments. Osasuna come close to opening the scoring as Timor meets a Nano cross in the penalty area, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper. Valencia create a chance down the other end with Jonas, but his effort is a long way wide of the goal.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments. It has not been the most enthralling 24 minutes of Spanish football that you will ever see. But recent matches between these two sides have never really been spectacular. Rather about getting the job done and moving on.
Osasuna are controlling the possession as we approach the 30-minute mark in the match, without really threatening to open the scoring. They have caused uncertainty in the Valencia defence in the past few moments, however, with a series of long balls into the penalty area.
It's good work from Bernat as the Valencia midfielder collects possession outside the box before driving into the penalty area, but he loses control at the vital moment and Fernandez is out to gather. We have not seen much from Jonas and Valdez since the very early stages. Well we have not seen much from anyone truth be told.
Let me take this moment to remind you what we have an offer in the next few days. We will be covering both Copa del Rey fixtures on each of the next two evenings so be sure to join us for that. Real Madrid have some work to do against Celta Vigo that is for certain. Back to this match, it has become slightly untidy in the last few minutes with a host of free kicks being given away.
Still both sides struggle to create any form of attacking opportunity as the half approaches its latter stages. Valencia do not really need to come out and score, but a goal at this stage would surely put the tie beyond a side who currently sit bottom of the La Liga table.
CHANCE! Best opportunity of the match by some considerable distance as Nano advances into the Valencia penalty area, but his strike is wild and over the crossbar. Had be decided to concentrate on placement, then he would have had a much better chance of opening the scoring.
GOAL! Valencia 1-0 Osasuna (Costa)
Better football from the home side in the last couple of minutes with Jonas combining with Viera before attempting to drive into the box, but his run is cut short by Ruben. The resulting free kick is taken by Costa, who whips his effort into the bottom corner. What a stunning strike.
Well that is certainly one way to liven up what has been a dull match thus far. Suddenly it's all Valencia as Bernat drives down the left before whipping a cross into the box, but Lolo is on hand to clear the danger. It is going to take some effort for Osasuna to recover from this. It could get worse before it gets better as Cissokho drives down the left.
The pressure gauge continues to rise as Valencia commit bodies to each attack, but Viera cannot find that final pass in the box and the danger is cleared by Oier. Albelda attempts the spectacular moments later on the volley, but it is wide of the target.
GOAL! Valencia 1-1 Osasuna (Llorente)
Oh my word that is some strike. Osasuna level on the evening as Llorente collects possession outside the penalty area before drilling a low effort into the bottom corner. He has simply not been in this match, but that is some way to introduce yourself.
Wonderful end to this half with both sides attacking with power and purpose. Osasuna need to score another two goals in order to take this match to extra-time, so we could be set for some second period. We have seen two goals of the very highest order thus far.
Little over three minutes of the half to play and we remain level at 1-1 on the night, but Valencia lead 3-1 on aggregate. It would certainly make things interesting if Osasuna scored the next goal. They certainly have the belief as they launch another attack down the left, but Llorente can only fire wide of the target.
Osasuna end the half on the attack with Cejudo and Lamah both enjoying multiple touches of the ball. However, they cannot find that final pass with Valencia sitting deep in their own penalty box. Llorente does create room for himself in the box, but Ruiz is across to clear the danger.
Osasuna cause more problems inside the Valencia box late in the half, but Rami is on hand to head calmly back to his goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of added time.
HALF-TIME: Valencia 1-1 Osasuna (3-1 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The two sides remain level at 1-1 on the night, but Valencia hold a 3-1 advantage on aggregate. A dull opening 30 minutes brought few chances, before the match exploded into life in the latter stages of the half.
The first goal of the evening came from Costa as the defender whipped a wonderful free kick into the bottom corner, before Llorente struck an equally impressive effort moments later. Valencia have just shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had three attempts to Osasuna's two.
Looking ahead to the second period, you get the feeling that Osasuna need to score the next goal in order to have a chance of taking the match into extra time. Another Valencia goal, especially early on, would entirely deflate a side that is bottom of La Liga.
Both sides have quality on the sidelines, although Valencia certainly have the stronger bench. Soldado, Piatti and Banega are all in reserve. Osasuna, meanwhile, could call upon Sola in the latter stages. Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Real Madrid or Celta Vigo in the next round.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. Let's hope that the quality of the football from the end of the first half is taken into the second 45 minutes. Osasuna get the action underway.
Decent start to the second half from the away side with Cejudo winning a free kick just outside the penalty area. The delivery is whipped into the box by Lamah, but Lolo's header is palmed over the crossbar by Guaita. A corner follows, but this time Rami clears his lines.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Osasuna to make it 2-1 on the night as Llorente meets a Cejudo cross, but he drops his header just the wrong side of the post. What a chance to put his side right back in this tie. Valencia have not started in this second half thus far.
Better from the home side in the last couple of moments as Valdez takes some of the pressure off his side with a mazy run down the left, but he is hacked down by Ruben. Whether the striker is quite as injured as he is showing remains to be seen. But it has certainly broken up the pressure on his side.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments, but Osasuna remain the side in control of the possession. But they need two goals in order to stay in the competition. Valencia are not interested in attacking as they sit deep and absorb each attack.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as Bernat drives down the left before firing a low cross into the box, but Lolo just beats Valdez to the ball in order to clear the danger. The next goal - if there indeed is one - could ultimately decide this tie.
Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and Osasuna simply need to score twice without reply in order to take the match into extra time. Valencia just need to hold on, but Cissokho has other ideas as he attacks down the left. I am not sure if his manager will be too keen on his mazy runs at this stage of the match.
Valencia make their first change of the evening Ever Banega replaces Viera. Slightly defensive change from the home side. What they have they will hold. Osasuna come close to scoring their second down the other end as Llorente meets a cross from Nano, but once more Guaita makes a fine save to deny the striker.
Cissokho continues to threaten down the left for Valencia as he collects a pass from Jonas before driving into the box, but his low cross is just cleared by Lolo. The resulting corner is taken by Banega, but Fernandez gets enough on the ball to clear the danger.
Valencia have just taken the sting out of this match in the past few moments with a spell of possession. A half-chance comes to Bernat as the midfielder drives down the right before striking a low attempt towards goal, but Fernandez collects under pressure from Jonas. Meanwhile, it appears that Osasuna are preparing their first change.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Osasuna to add their second of the evening as Nano drives down the left before crossing towards Llorente, but the pass was just behind the striker. The Spaniard is able to find Cejudo outside the box, but Costa blocks the danger. They cannot pass up those chances, not at this stage.
Osasuna do indeed make their first change of the evening as Oier is replaced by Punal, who takes the captain's armband. The match has just become ever so scrappy in the last couple of moments with both teams giving away free kicks, just as Valencia would want at this stage of proceedings.
Half-chance for Valencia to have a strike on goal as Costa bends a pass towards Valdez, but the striker had just strayed into an offside position. Meanwhile, the home side make their second change of the evening as Soldado is introduced in place of Valdez. Not a bad sub to bring on.
Another half-chance for the home side as Jonas curls an effort from outside the box, but it deflects behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Costa, but the cross fails to beat the first man and the danger is cleared.
The chances continue to come for Valencia as Soldado squares to Jonas outside the box, but the Brazilian's touch is poor and Fernandez comes out to smother. Meanwhile, Osasuna make their second change of the evening as Flano replaces Ruben. Little under 20 minutes of football to play.
Osasuna are surviving at the moment. It is as simple as that. The introduction of Soldado has just turned the entire course of the match and Valencia are as comfortable as they have been at any point this evening. A reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Real Madrid or Celta Vigo in the next round.
Osasuna make their third change of the evening as Cejudo is replace by Manuel Omwu. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining. Valencia continue to dominate the possession, but one goal for the away side would change the entire course of the remaining minutes.
Penalty shout for the home side as Soldado drives into the penalty area before falling to the ground, but there was not enough contact for the referee to penalise Fernandez. Meanwhile, a host of challenges continue to break up the tempo. Not that Valencia will mind with the situation as it is.
It just isn't quite happening for Osasuna as Nano picks up possession before driving into the box, but he loses control at the vital moment and Rami is able to clear. They have had chances this evening, there is no doubt about it, but they left themselves with too much to do from the first leg.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances as we enter the final stages of the match. Cissokho continues to cause problems down the left with his attacking running, but his final ball has failed to reach its destination thus far.
Slightly untidy period to the match with handbags between a couple of the players, it has not been that type of game in fairness. But Osasuna are on their way out here unless there is a miracle in the final stages. However, they do have possession in the Valencia half.
Half-chance for the away side as Cejudo collects possession before finding the run of Lolo down the left, but his cross is poor and Rami is on hand to clear the danger. Valencia advance down the other end with Jonas, but once more he fails to find the target.
Little over two minutes of football remaining and in truth there is not a great deal happening. Osasuna have certainly played well this evening, but it was always going to be a difficult task after the first leg. Valencia will face either Celta Vigo or Real Madrid in the next round.
Valencia make their third change of the evening as Bernat is replaced by Andres Guardado, who has been very impressive in recent weeks. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time.
Not a great deal to report in stoppage time with Valencia comfortable in control of the possession. There has not been too many clear chances in the second period for either side. The introduction of Soldado has just calmed the home side. It is imperative that they keep hold of him this month.
GOAL! Valencia 2-1 Osasuna (Soldado)
Soldado adds gloss to the score as he drives into the penalty area before finding the bottom corner from close range. Business as usual for Valencia.
FULL-TIME: Valencia 2-1 Osasuna (4-1 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Valencia secure a 4-1 win on aggregate to advance to the next stage. They will face either Real Madrid or Celta Vigo in the quarter-finals. 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
