Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq found the net at both ends, scoring once for each side as Valencia suffered a dramatic 2–1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in their Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash, SportPremi reports.
In the last eight tie at the Mestalla Stadium on Wednesday night, it was the visitors who progressed to the final four of the competition after Inaki Williams’ late strike sealed the victory.
It marked their sixth semifinal appearance in seven years, while Valencia crash out and will now turn their attention to the La Liga, where they will be hoping to avoid relegation.
Sadiq’s rollercoaster night ends in heartbreak as Valencia bow out of the Copa del Rey
Super Eagles forward Sadiq had rejoined Valencia during the transfer window last month from Real Sociedad and was hoping to make an impact once more in the Copa del Rey.
His only goal in his second stint so far at the club was in the previous round, scoring in their 2-0 win against Burgos.
However, things did not go exactly as planned as the 29-year-old headed into his own net in the 26th minute to give the visitors the lead.
Sadiq made up for his earlier mistake just nine minutes later, scoring the equalizer for Valencia after the goalkeeper had spilled a ball onto his path.
Both sides went in search of the winner in an entertaining second half, but Bilbao had the better opportunity when they were awarded a penalty kick for a handball after a lengthy VAR review.
However, Mikel Jauregizar was denied from 12 yards by Stole Dimitrievski as the scoreline remained 1-1 heading into the final minutes of regular time.
With the game looking likely to head into extra-time, Nico Williams provided the assist for Inaki Williams to score a late winner and send Bilbao into the final.
What next for Valencia?
After their Copa del Rey heartbreak, Valencia shift their focus to the La Liga, where they face a tough test against Real Madrid on Sunday.
