The Cup final is just one step away, but first it’s time to get past the semifinals. Today the pairings of said round have been drawn, providing two duels of great emotion. In one, the two revelation teams of LaLiga will face each other (Rayo-Betis); in the other, the two historic faces of our football and candidates for the title (Athletic-Valencia) will be seen. Unlike previous phases, it will be played double game and before both hobbies. Vallecas (February 9) and San Mamés (February 10) will host the first leg matches; while the pass will be decided in Mestalla (March 2) and VillamarÃn (March 3).
Athletic has become the great favorite to win the Cup title due to the merits achieved: in the round of 16 they eliminated Barcelona in extra time and in the quarterfinals they dropped Real Madrid. The lions, who were finalists in the last two editions, have shown that the Cup is their favorite tournament. Moreover, they have 23 wounds in their showcases. It has an overwhelming pace and wants to be in La Cartuja on April 23 to play its third final in a row and lift a title that has been resisting since 1984. But in front they will have Valencia, another of the rivals to beat, although they are not being given so much hype. They arrive a little covered up having beaten less renowned rivals (Utrillas, Arenteiro, Cartagena and Atlético Baleares) and only one Primera (Cádiz). But he walks firmly in this competition, which knows what it is to win it recently (2019) and with Marcelino, now on the rival bench.
But The ones in charge of kicking off the semifinals will be Rayo and Betis, the two teams that are receiving the most praise this season. Vallecanos want to continue making history. A year ago they played in the Second Division and now, 40 years later, they have entered their second semi-finals, dreaming of their first Cup final. Iraola, who already led Mirandés to the semis in 2019-20, has a good feeling with this tournament. The Basque coach is blowing up Rayo and an entire neighborhood.
Betis, for its part, also dreams of playing the final in their city. Pellegrini takes them on wings, not only in the Cup, but also in the League where they fight to continue in Champions positions and are still alive in the Europa League. They have a great dynamic in the Cup: they have eliminated Independiente de Alicante, Talavera and Valladolid in the first rounds; in eighths against Sevilla and quarters against Real Sociedad. They are facing the great opportunity to play a final against their people and win a title that they only won in 1977 and 2005.
The closest cup
The new format has become a trap for the big favorites. Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Atlético and Sevilla, who usually start as candidates for the title, are already out of the competition. Blancos and rojiblancos have never reached the semis since the format was changed. In addition, repeat presence in the semifinals has only been done by Athletic. He was in the previous two semifinals and in this one. The rest have always been different teams that have reached this round since the 2019-20 campaign (in which the system was changed). The Cup has become a bad drink for many greats.
When and where to see the semifinals
GOING
Rayo Vallecano – Betis: February 9 at 9:00 p.m. (Telecinco and DAZN)
Athletic – Valencia: February 10 at 9:30 p.m. (Telecinco and DAZN)
RETURN
Valencia – Athletic: March 2 at 9:00 p.m. (Telecinco and DAZN)
Betis – Rayo: March 3 at 9:00 p.m. (Telecinco and DAZN)
Double value of goals
Now the one who scores the most goals from both games goes through to the round, regardless of which field he scored the most on. In case of equal goals, the pass to the final must be decided in extra time. That is where the clarification approved today by the Federation arrives. “Once extra time is over, the team that has scored the most goals in extra time will be declared the winner. If both teams have scored the same number of goals or none have been scored, penalties will be taken. intends that the aforementioned standard be adapted and faithfully reflect the approved criteria”, affirms the Federation.
In other words, the RFEF tries to clarify that the rest of the goals scored during the round-trip matches will not be taken into account and will only be decided by those scored during said extra time of 30 minutes divided into two parts. In the event that neither team scores more goals than their rival during extra time, the tie will be decided on penalties.