Hugo Duro has been a major player in the Copa del Rey this season. His goals were key both in the quarterfinals against Cádiz CF and in the semifinals against Athletic Club. Now he also wants to make his mark on the final. The striker talked to VCF MEDIA about his feelings ahead of Saturday’s game.

A special final

“When the year began, who would have said that we were going to be here? Since we have reached the final, we have to enjoy it and, above all, win. Reaching a final is always difficult. Only two teams can get there, out all of us who started the competition. If it were easy, anyone would be able to be here. Now we have to enjoy April 23rd, and it is necessary that we win the final.”

An even tie

“The final is 50-50. It’s one game, and with that motivation any team can win. Valencia CF already showed this against FC Barcelona in the 2019 final. The team are motivated, eager and ready for Saturday, so that we can win the trophy.”

Confidence

“If we did not believe in ourselves, it would be better not to even go to the final. We are convinced that we can win and we are going to do everything possible to lift the trophy. It would be a perfect Copa del Rey campaign, as long as Valencia CF end up winning. I hope Valencia CF win, and if I have to cheer from the bench and don’t play a single minute, I’d take that in exchange for the victory. The important thing is the team, and winning the final no matter what.”

Focused on the cup

“We have had many LaLiga games in between the semis and the final. We had to think about LaLiga, but now the time has come for the Copa del Rey. Being able to win a trophy at 22 years old is something unimaginable for me, because of my career so far and because of how I have been making progress. Finding myself here is a surprise and I am very happy. It's a strange thing. Hopefully it ends with the same situation as in 2019 -that Valencia CF win- and this time I'll be much happier. Hopefully I can do my bit to win that trophy."

The support of the fans

“I meet many people on the street who tell me that they are going to Seville without a ticket. You have to win the Copa del Rey for those who go to Seville and won’t be able to get in. That is an enormous effort and we have to win in order to dedicate the cup to them.”

Excitement about winning the cup

“I’m not thinking about what I will do if we win. When the time comes I will think about it. Sometimes I have thought about it at home and above all I would like to enjoy the first 10 minutes after the final whistle. I think that would be the most beautiful part of the night. But I don't want to think about it. I don’t want to get my hopes up. What has to be will be, and if the time comes to celebrate I will be delighted to do so.”