King’s Cup 2025-2026: Valencia-Athletic Bilbao, the probable formations
King Cup 2025-2026 getting into full swing with the quarterfinals, in a match that on Wednesday night at the Mestalla (kickoff at 9 p.m.) pits two of Spain’s biggies against each other that are experiencing a decidedly difficult season. Indeed, host Valencia is just one point ahead of the relegation zone in La Liga, despite having picked up seven points in their last four games. It has just two more points from an Athletic Bilbao side that, on the other hand, is coming off a long run of winless matches in the league.
Usual very buttoned-up lineup for Corberan’s Valencia, fielding Sadiq as the only point and a dense five-man midfield. On the right Rioja will act at full-back, with Danjuma on the opposite lane. In the middle of the field Pepelu and Santamaria, with Almeida likely to start a few meters ahead of his teammates. Dimitrievski in goal, protected by Comert and Tarrega in the central position, with Foulquier and Gaya on the flanks.
Somewhat bolder should be Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao on paper, at least because behind center forward Guruzeta should act Gomez, Berenguer and the recovered Inaki Williams in a trio of high quality midfielders’wings. In the midfield Vesga and Ruiz de Galarreta, while in defense there will be Areso on the right, Boiro on the left and the Paredes-Lekue tandem in the middle, with Padilla between the posts.
Valencia-Athletic Bilbao, the likely lineups:
Valencia (4-5-1): Dimitrievski; Foulquier, Comert, Tarrega, Gaya; Rioja, Santamaria, Pepelu, Danjuma; Almeida; Sadiq. Coach: Corberan.
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Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Padilla; Areso, Paredes, Lekue, Boiro; Vesga, Ruiz de Galarreta; I. Williams, Gomez, Berenguer; Guruzeta. Coach: Valverde.
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