Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction and Betting Tips
Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction and Betting Tips for the Copa del Rey quarter final, scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 20:00 GMT. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN and Premier Sports 2 from the Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia. It is a massive night.
The home side is looking to salvage a difficult season by reaching the semi finals of this prestigious competition. Both clubs have a rich history in this tournament. In this article, you will find the Best Copa del Rey Predictions from our experts.
Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Key Facts and Stats
Valencia has reached this stage after defeating four teams including the likes of Burgos and Gijon.
Athletic Bilbao remains the second most successful team in cup history with 24 major trophies won.
The home side already secured a 2 0 victory against their Basque rivals earlier this season.
Ernesto Valverde’s men have struggled lately failing to keep a clean sheet in nine straight matches.
Los Che are currently fighting for survival in the league sitting only 2 points above relegation.
Historical cup encounters between these two giants often favor the visitors who won the trophy recently.
Intense home support at the Mestalla creating a hostile environment for opponents.
Returning creative options in midfield with André Almeida back in the squad.
Strong motivation to rescue their season through a successful cup campaign.
Previous head to head success this season with a 2 0 win over Athletic.
- Valencia's Weaknesses
Significant defensive absences including the injured Mouctar Diakhaby and Thierry Correia.
Extreme inconsistency in domestic form leaving them near the bottom of the table.
Limited squad depth compared to other top tier cup contenders.
+ Athletic Bilbao's Strengths
Unparalleled cup pedigree as the second most successful team in competition history.
Exceptional tactical discipline under the experienced guidance of Ernesto Valverde.
Defending champions' mentality after their historic triumph in the 2024 final.
High individual quality from core players like the clinical Iñaki Williams.
- Athletic Bilbao's Weaknesses
Long injury list featuring Aymeric Laporte and several other vital first team starters.
Defensive fragility shown by failing to keep a clean sheet in nine matches.
Match Preview
Valencia looks to turn their season around as they approach this massive quarter final tie. Carlos Corberán is well aware that a deep cup run could satisfy the fans despite league struggles. The atmosphere at the Mestalla will be electric on Wednesday night.
Los Che will welcome André Almeida back to the midfield which provides much needed creativity. However the defense is still thin with Diakhaby out. Carlos Tárraga is likely to start in the center of the back four to help keep things tight.
Historically this is a club that lives for these nights having won eight cup titles already. Their last trophy in 2019 is still a fond memory for the supporters. They have already beaten Athletic once this term so the confidence is definitely there.
Athletic Bilbao arrives as the ultimate cup specialists boasting twenty four titles in their trophy room. Ernesto Valverde knows exactly how to navigate these knockout rounds even with a depleted squad. Their recent draw in the Basque derby showed their fighting spirit.
The visitors are missing key players like Aymeric Laporte and Benat Prados which is a major concern. Nico Williams is also dealing with a groin issue and might not start. Still the presence of Iñaki Williams makes them a constant threat on the counter.
Expect a physical and tactical battle as both teams fight for a spot in the semi finals. Defensive mistakes will likely decide the outcome in this high pressure environment. It is time for the Best Copa del Rey Predictions to be tested once more.
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde remains focused on the Copa del Rey clash against Valencia despite a dip in league form. While acknowledging board support, Valverde stressed that results ultimately dictate a coach's future. Facing significant injury concerns including Nico Williams and Sancet, the Lions aim to maintain their recent cup success. Valverde expects a high-intensity battle at Mestalla as both teams eye a semifinal spot.
I. R. d. Galarreta, M. Vesga I. Williams, U. Gómez, R. Navarro
FW
G. Guruzeta
OUT
A. Paredes(OUT),
N. Williams(OUT),
D. Vivian(OUT),
O. Sancet(OUT),
M. Sannadi(OUT),
B. Prados(OUT),
U. Eguíluz(OUT)
Referee
Victor Garcia Verdura
Prediction
X2 @1.45
Ernesto Valverde has built a team that thrives in knockout scenarios despite their current 11th position in the league. They recently showed their quality in the Champions League against top opposition which proves they can still compete at the highest level. Valencia is struggling for consistency and sitting only 2 points above the drop zone which might lead to a lack of focus on cup duties.
Statistics show that Athletic Bilbao has been a dominant force in this competition for decades. They managed to win the trophy as recently as the 2024 season and many of those players are still in the squad. Valencia might have won the league meeting earlier this year but the pressure of a quarter final is completely different. Expect the Basque side to show their superior cup pedigree.
Watch Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Last Match Highlights
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FAQ – Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Who is the favorite to win this quarter final?
It is a very close match but Athletic Bilbao’s historical success in the Copa del Rey makes them slight favorites to progress despite playing away from home.
Where can I watch the Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao live?
The Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao (Copa del Rey) match will be broadcast live on ESPN and Premier Sports 2.
What time does the match at Mestalla kick off?
Kick off is scheduled for 20:00 (GMT) on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Will Nico Williams play for Athletic Bilbao?
Nico Williams is currently struggling with a groin issue and remains doubtful for a starting role although he might appear from the bench.
How many times has Valencia won the Copa del Rey?
Valencia is a very successful club in this competition having lifted the trophy eight times throughout their history.
Alexandru Florin is a football betting expert, providing tips and accumulator predictions for xpertstats.com since 2022. With a strong focus on data-driven analysis, he delivers well-researched insights and reliable advice for bettors aiming for long-term profit.
