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  • 8 May 2025
  • 09:57:39
  • Posted by Rayo Online
  • Date : 14 Jan 2022
  • Time : 11:55AM

Preview: Atletico Baleares vs. Valencia - prediction, team news, lineups

 

Valencia will be looking to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey when they take on third-tier side Atletico Baleares in Majorca on Sunday morning.

Los Che have beaten Utrillas, Arenteiro and FC Cartagena to advance to this stage of the competition, while Baleares have overcome Calahorra, Getafe and Celta Vigo.

Match preview

Having already claimed two La Liga scalps this season in the shape of Getafe and Celta, Baleares will believe that they are capable of beating Valencia on Sunday despite being the huge underdogs to triumph.

Xavier Calm's side have not actually been in league action since losing 3-1 to Barcelona II on December 12, and they will not resume their Primera Division RFEF - Group 2 season until January 23 against Algeciras.

Baleares have never played in La Liga, while they have competed in the second tier of Spanish football for just four seasons throughout their history, so their presence in this round of the competition is a surprise.

The Majorca outfit previously reached the round of 16 in 1986-87, but they have never made the quarter-finals and will therefore be looking to create history against Valencia on Sunday.

Valencia's Jose Gaya celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on October 17, 2021
© Reuters

Valencia, meanwhile, have won the Copa del Rey on eight occasions, with their last success coming in 2019, when they recorded a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the final.

The six-time Spanish champions have beaten Utrillas, Arenteiro and FC Cartagena to advance to the round of 16, and they are the overwhelming favourites to progress to the final eight this weekend.

Los Che will enter this match off the back of a disappointing 4-1 defeat at Real Madrid in La Liga last weekend, which saw them drop into 10th position in the table.

Jose Bordalas's side are only five points off fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, though, and will believe that they have enough quality to challenge for a European finish in Spain's top flight.

Valencia have recently been a force in the Copa del Rey, reaching the semi-finals in two of the last six seasons, in addition to lifting the trophy in 2019, and they are certainly in the mix to win it once again.

Atletico Baleares Copa del Rey form:
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Atletico Baleares form (all competitions):
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Valencia Copa del Rey form:
WWW
Valencia form (all competitions):
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Source: Sports Mole