The first leg of the Copa del Rey last-16 tie between Valencia and Atletico Madrid took place at the Mestalla this evening.
The home side dominated the possession in the first period, but neither could make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
Valencia continued to impress in the second half, but Raul Garcia's header after 72 minutes handed Atletico the lead. The home side found a leveller late on, however, courtesy of a close-range header from Helder Postiga.
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 Copa del Rey last-16 round occurs this evening as Valencia welcome the holders Atletico Madrid in the first leg. The home side enter the match having won just two of their last five matches in all competitions, but Diego Simeone’s side have won their last five, with that run of form moving them joint-top of the La Liga table.
TEAMS:
VALENCIA: Guaita; Pereira, Mathieu, Costa, Guardado; Fuego, Parejo, Michel, Bernat; Fede, Postiga
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Alderweireld, Miranda, Luis; Gabi, Garcia, Koke; Guilavogui, Costa, Adrian
So there we have it. Both managers have made a number of changes from their respective league games at the weekend. In come Joao Pereira, Andres Guardado, Javi Fuego, Michel and Fede Cartabia for Valencia, while Guaita starts in goal. Atletico, meanwhile, hand a rare start to Frenchman Josuha Guilavogui. Toby Alderweireld also comes into the defence alongside Miranda.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won three of the last five, with Valencia winning once during that period and the further clash ending in a draw. The pair have already met this season with Atletico 3-0 winners in Madrid last month, but the last league clash at the Mestalla in November 2012 ended in a 2-0 home win.
It hasn’t been the best of league seasons for Valencia thus far with 23 points from their 18 matches leaving them in eighth position in the table, some 10 points off the top four. However, they were 2-0 winners over Levante at the weekend and are now under new management, with Juan Antonio Pizzi recently replacing the departed Miroslav Djukic.
Valencia were eliminated in the Copa del Rey last season by eventual finalists Real Madrid, but booked their spot in the last eight this season with a 1-0 win over Gimnastic in the previous round. They will have to improve their home form if they are to enjoy success this season having already lost five times in all competitions at the Mestalla.
Atletico, meanwhile, enter the match currently sitting level on points with leaders Barcelona in La Liga. They have not lost in any competition since suffering a 1-0 reverse to Espanyol in the middle of October, with that form seeing them advance into the latter stages of the Champions League and occupy a strong position in the league.
As mentioned, they are the current holders of the competition having overcome capital rivals Real Madrid 2-1 in the final last year and will be keen to defend their crown. They were drawn against lowly Sant Andreu in the previous round, but recorded a 6-1 aggregate victory to advance into the quarter-finals.
Diego Simeone’s side enter the match off the back of a 1-0 win over Malaga in the league at the weekend, which was their seventh-straight victory in all competitions. There is no doubt that La Liga and the Champions League will be prioritised, especially as the season develops, but the chance to secure another trophy means that Atletico will not take this two-legged tie lightly.
PREDICTION: Neither side are at full strength this evening, but there is still a lot of quality in both XIs. Nothing will be decided at the Mestalla with the second leg to come next week, but I think Atletico have enough to secure a narrow win. My score prediction is 2-1 Atletico.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for an entertaining contest. Right, the away side get the tie underway on this mild evening in Valencia.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a wonderful atmosphere. Tonight presents an opportunity to a number of fringe players to make their mark in the first team. Atletico take control of the early possession with Adrian breaking down the right, but Guardado, who starts at left-back this evening, is across to clear the danger.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the opening four minutes, but Atletico have taken control of the possession. You just get the feeling that Valencia need to take a lead into the second leg if they are to advance into the semi-finals of the competition. Atletico's home record is quite staggering.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of making a number of late challenges. A clash between Gabi and Guardado leaves the latter on the deck, but he does return following a period of treatment. Parejo takes the resulting free kick, but Courtois is on hand to claim.
Half-chance for the home side as Fede finds some space down the right before delivering a cross towards Postiga, but his header is blocked by Miranda. Atletico have possession down the other end with Adrian moments later, but Mathieu is across to clear. Still goalless with nine minutes on the clock here.
It must be said that the home supporters are creating a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium, which is filtering through to the players. Neither side has really been able to put their foot on the ball in midfield thus far, while we have seen little from Costa. I suspect that will change as the first period gathers pace.
Half-chance for Parejo this time as the Valencia midfielder finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but his effort is wide of the post. The better opportunities are starting to fall to Valencia, but we have seen Atletico dance this dance before. Suddenly they break and take the lead.
Possession football from Valencia in the last couple of moments, but all their work has been in front of the Atletico defence. Postiga attempts to drive past Juanfran moments later, but the right-back is equal to the danger. We are still waiting for the first real chance after 16 minutes of this Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg.
Adrian has moved into a more central area for Atletico in the last couple of moments, but has thus far been unable to influence proceedings alongside Costa. Valencia continue to enjoy the majority of the possession, but still no clear opportunities. Two even sides on display at the moment.
Half-chance for the home side as Michel finds some space just outside the box before sliding a pass towards Bernat, but the left-back cannot collect at the vital moment. Pereira delivers a low cross into the area moments later, but once more the danger is cleared. You just get the feeling that Valencia need to score during this positive period.
The pressure from Valencia continues as Bernat delivers a dangerous cross towards Postiga, but Miranda beats the striker in the air. Eventually it falls to Pereira, but once more this stern Atletico defence stands up to the threat. Still goalless after 22 minutes of action.
Atletico's best spell of the match as they force two corners in quick succession, but Mathieu and Costa take it in turns to clear the danger. The away side pen Valencia into their own box moments later, but Costa cannot evade the capture of Mathieu down the right.
Well, 27 minutes in and neither side has had a clear opportunity. However, the tempo has been high with Valencia prepared to commit players in the final third. Pereira tries his luck from outside the box, but his effort deflects straight into the arms of Courtois.
Another half-chance for the home side as Michel finds some space outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Not too much from Valencia inside the Atletico box, with the majority of their efforts coming from distance. We have seen precious little from Atletico, however, who are more than happy to defend in numbers. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining at the Mestalla.
Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg at the Vicente Calderon to come next week. A draw would certainly suit Atletico with their incredible home record. First real sign of Costa as he takes on Mathieu, but the Frenchman is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. He has been extremely impressive this season.
CHANCE! The clearest chance of the match falls to Atletico as Adrian finds Garcia inside the box, but his effort brings a fine save from Guaita. The resulting corner is delivered towards Miranda, but Mathieu clears once more. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining at the Mestalla. The tempo is rising.
Half-chance for the home side as Guardado finds some space outside the box, but his effort is blocked by the diving Juanfran. The resulting corner causes concern inside the Atletico area, but Alderweireld clears. The first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this match.
Half-chance for Valencia to threaten from a free kick as Fede is felled on the edge of the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Parejo, but he fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. It just has to be better from that position. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining. In truth, it has been relatively low-key thus far, which is not much of a surprise.
Valencia continue to dominate the possession outside the Atletico box, but the door closes each time they advance to the edge of the area. Parejo attempts to release Postiga with a through pass, but Miranda clears once more. The home supporters remain in fine voice in the final stages of the first half.
You just get the feeling that Atletico would be happy with a goalless draw this evening. In truth, that would make them firm favourites in the second leg next week. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with late challenges arriving from both sides.
CHANCE! Wonderful counter from Atletico as Luis steals possession before finding Adrian, who slots a fine pass towards Costa. The Brazilian advances into the box, but his low effort is blocked by Ricardo Costa at the vital moment. Almost another devastating counter from the capital outfit.
HALF-TIME: Valencia 0-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Valencia have had more of the possession, but have not yet threatened to take the lead. As expected, Atletico are playing on the counter, but it hasn't quite happened in the final third for Diego Simeone's side.
STATISTICS: Valencia have dominated the possession with 70%, but all five of their efforts have been off target. Atletico have tested the opposition goalkeeper on one occasion, but Guaita was equal to the stinging drive from Costa. Let's hope that the match opens up in the second 45 minutes.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Piatti, Feghouli, Pabon, Alcacer and Canales. Meanwhile, Atletico have the likes of Villa, Turan, Rodriguez and Tiago in reserve. Plenty of goals on both benches this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come in Madrid next week. Right, Valencia get the second half underway at the Mestalla.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I expect that will change if the score remains level around the hour mark. Not too much to report in the early exchanges in the second half, but Valencia continue to enjoy more of the ball.
Valencia have been really impressive in possession this evening, especially in the middle of the park, but are finding it difficult to break through this stern Atletico defence. Atletico enjoy their first counter of the second half through Adrian, but Fede fells the Spaniard. Still goalless with 50 minutes on the clock in the first leg of this quarter-final Copa del Rey clash.
Penalty shout from Valencia as Fede tumbles inside the box, but the referee is not interested. In truth, it would have been harsh. Valencia force a corner moments later as Bernat's effort deflects high of the crossbar, but Courtois is on hand to collect under pressure from the ineffective Postiga.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia as Fede finds some space on the edge of the box before whipping a low effort towards the bottom corner, but Courtois makes a really smart save. The pressure continues outside the box, but Pereira's cross is headed clear by Miranda. Good spell from the home side with 55 minutes on the clock.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges in the middle of the park. However, Clos Gomez sees no reason to reach for his pocket. The home side break with Fede once more, but his cross is cleared by the impressive Alderweireld.
Nervy defending from Miranda as the Atletico centre-back turns a Guardado cross over his own crossbar. The resulting corner causes problems inside the Atletico box, but Guilavogui manages to clear. The away side make their first change moments later as Arda Turan replaces Guilavogui.
Little under 30 minutes of the first leg remaining and still we await the first goal. In truth, a goalless draw would not be the worst result for either side, but it would leave Atletico as the overwhelming favourites to advance. It appears that Valencia are preparing to make a change as the second period gathers pace. They have a number of attacking options in reserve.
The home side make their first change of the match as Michel is replaced by Feghouli, who scored in the win over Levante at the weekend. You just get the feeling that there is a goal in this match, but both sides have defended well thus far. Fede strikes one from distance for the home side moments later, but his effort is wide of the post.
Juanfran picks up a yellow card for fouling Bernat, who had carried the ball some 30 yards into the Atletico half. Atletico make their second change of the match moments later as Rodriguez enters the field in place of Adrian, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening.
Opportunity for Atletico to threaten from a free kick as Rodriguez is felled by Fuego on the edge of the box, with the Valencia midfielder picking up a yellow card in the process. The resulting free kick is taken by Gabi, but his effort is just high of the crossbar. Little over 20 minutes of this first leg remaining at the Mestalla.
The match has really opened up in the last couple of moments with Atletico forcing the issue in the final third. The changes from Simeone have certainly made a difference. The away side force another corner following good work from Costa, but Guaita comes a long way to punch clear. Valencia are struggling to keep the ball at the moment as Atletico continue to raise their tempo.
GOAL! Valencia 0-1 Atletico (Garcia)
Atletico take the lead with 72 minutes on the clock as Garcia heads home from close range following a terrible punch from Guaita. Big clanger from the Spanish goalkeeper.
Valencia make their second change of the match as Canales replaces Bernat for the final 15 minutes or so. Well, that goal has changed the atmosphere inside the stadium. As it stands, Atletico would have one foot in the semi-finals. Surely Valencia need to take something to the Vicente Calderon next week.
Is there a better 'team' in Spain than Atletico at the moment? I am not sure. Even when they are not playing well they seem to be able to grind out results due to their incredible defence. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, with the goal really hurting Valencia.
CHANCE! Wonderful effort from Canales as the Valencia midfielder curls one from the edge of the box, but Courtois is on hand to make a sensational save. The resulting corner is delivered towards the near post, but Miranda is on hand to clear the danger. Moments later, Valencia make their third change with Piatti replacing Fede.
Bad moment for Diego Costa as the striker is booked for simulation inside the Valencia box. The Brazilian-born forward wanted a penalty under contact from Ricardo Costa, but the referee was not interested. It hasn't quite been his night thus far. Little under 10 minutes for Valencia to find an equaliser as Atletico prepare their third and final change.
Indeed the change is made as Tiago replaces Koke, who has, once more, been very impressive. Manchester United are believed to be interested, but surely Atletico cannot sell one of their prized assets. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Atletico remaining firm in defence.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Valencia to level as Canales collects a loose save from Courtois, but he can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar from close range. That is the clearest chance of the night for Valencia. Will they get a better one? I am not sure.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Feghouli dances into the Atletico box, but he brings a terrific save from Courtois. The Belgian had no right to make that save. Valencia have had opportunities that is for certain.
Valencia continue to force the issue in the latter stages, but it just is not happening. When they manage to break through the Atletico defence, they are finding a goalkeeper in top form. However, you just get the feeling that there is another chance left in this match. Little over one minute of normal time remaining at the Mestalla.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. It is Valencia that continue to force high balls into the box, but Atletico clear their lines on each occasion. Valencia deserve a goal for their efforts this evening.
Back-to-back corners for Valencia in the latter stages, but Miranda and Juanfran take it in turns to clear the danger. Backs against the wall at the moment as the aerial bombardment continues. Atletico are closing in on a vital first-leg win here.
GOAL! Valencia 1-1 Atletico (Postiga)
Valencia have their goal in the final minute of stoppage time as Postiga heads home from close range following a cross from Feghouli. Richly deserved!
FULL-TIME: Valencia 1-1 Atletico
So there we have it. The tie is delicately poised ahead of the second leg after a 1-1 draw in the Mestalla. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again tomorrow for more Copa del Rey football. Until then!
