Umar Sadiq’s night at Mestalla summed up Valencia’s turbulent season, as the Nigerian striker scored at both ends before Athletic Bilbao sealed a dramatic 2-1 Copa del Rey quarter-final victory with a stoppage-time winner.
Sadiq, who joined Valencia from Real Sociedad in January in a €4.5m deal, endured a difficult opening half-hour when he headed Robert Navarro’s free-kick into his own net, giving Athletic an early lead.
However, the 29-year-old redeemed himself before the break, reacting quickest after Athletic goalkeeper Álex Padilla spilled Luis Rioja’s shot, to fire home his second goal in as many Copa del Rey appearances for Los Che.
Umar Sadiq. Photo Credit: Imago
Despite Sadiq’s response, Valencia were ultimately denied a place in the semi-finals as Iñaki Williams struck in stoppage time to send Athletic through for a sixth time in seven seasons.
Valencia started brightly and almost took an early lead through Rioja, but it was Athletic who opened the scoring in fortuitous fashion. Sadiq’s attempted defensive header, following a Navarro free-kick, looped beyond Stole Dimitrievski after a miscommunication with Dimitri Foulquier.
Defensive errors continued to shape the contest, and Sadiq made amends shortly before half-time. Padilla failed to hold Rioja’s low effort, allowing the Nigeria international to convert from close range and level the tie.
Photo Credit: Imago
Athletic pressed late in the first half, with Mikel Jauregizar heading wide, but the teams went in level at the interval.
The second half saw chances at a premium, with Nico Serrano twice shooting wide for Athletic, while Foulquier struck the post for Valencia after a well-worked move.
Athletic were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when a lengthy VAR review penalised César Tárrega for handball. However, Jauregizar’s penalty was saved by Dimitrievski, lifting the home crowd and raising hopes of extra time.
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Those hopes were dashed in the closing moments when the Williams brothers combined, allowing Iñaki Williams to strike decisively and break Valencia hearts.
Photo Credit: Imago
The result extended Athletic Bilbao’s winning run to eight consecutive away ties in the Copa del Rey, while Valencia’s six-match unbeaten home run came to an end.
Sadiq, who returned to Mestalla on a contract running until June 2028, is still searching for his first LaLiga goal for Valencia, having failed to score in four league appearances since his arrival.
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However, he has now found the net in both of his Copa del Rey outings for the club, offering encouragement despite another frustrating night for Valencia.
