Reason to be optimistic ahead of Copa del Rey semifinal

A big week for Valencia CF gets underway on Monday, and could end with the side reaching the Copa del Rey final for the first time in over a decade. They currently hold an away goal advantage over Real Betis, with whom they drew 2-2 at the Benito Villamarín a fortnight ago.

Part two of the tie takes place on Thursday, February 28th, and there is reason to be optimistic for Valencianistas.

The first meeting between the two sides this season took place at Mestalla in LaLiga, and ended in a 0-0 draw. A repeat of that result would see VCF through to their first final since 2008.

In fact, only two of Valencia CF's results at home in all competitions would see them eliminated from the Copa del Rey: The 0-1 vs. Girona on Matchday 11, and the 0-2 vs. Juventus on Champions League Group Stage Game 1. All other results at Mestalla from the present campaign, be they wins or draws, would be enough to make good on the first leg scoreline.

That's not to say that Betis are not capable of providing a threat. They come into the game off the back of a 0-2 win against Real Valladolid in LaLiga, and have also taken impressive away victories against FC Barcelona in the league (3-4) and AC Milan (1-2) in the UEFA Europa League.

The other semifinal sees Real Madrid and FC Barcelona square off at the Santiago Bernabeú on Wednesday night.