Hey, Valencia Actually Won

By: chris | April 16th, 2008

Tis true. They’ll at least be going home with some silverware after defeating Getafe 3-1 in the Copa del Rey final. Perhaps more importantly – with their La Liga status next year still up in the air, much less in contention for a spot in Europe – they’ll be handed a free pass into the UEFA Cup next year. Across the board a much better alternative than simply drowning their sorrows in bubble baths and mint chocolate chip ice cream while watching those magical weekday evening games. Of course, will it even matter if they get relegated?

Unfortunately, in the same token, little Getafe couldn’t manage to add yet another epic upset to their collective CV, and Cinderella will be going home without her Prince Charming this season. As unfortunate as that is for them, it may be even more unfortunate for the fans, as the story of the year in Europe lost out on its last chance to make it back to Europe next year, currently sitting in 12th and having next to no shot at UEFA. However, a lengthy standing ovation for their cup exploits this year.

The game itself came as advertised: Valencia the much better team, Getafe the much more spirited team. Two early headers, one from last year’s Getafe hero, Alexis, really set the tone for the game. Though Getafe had the better league position going in, it’s nearly impossible to ask them for a result after going down 2-0 in 11 minutes. They got one back from the spot, but in a similar circumstance to last week’s bludgeoning of the ball by Roberto Abbondanzieri, Oscar Ustari, his understudy for Getafe and the Argentine NT, punched a sizzler right to the waiting head of Fernando Morientes late on. 3-1 Valencia, game over.

Valencia will almost surely stave off relegation, they’re still five points from the zone with six to play, so perhaps this will be the thinnest of silver linings for them as they attempt to reclaim their status as a legitimate behemoth next season.

Now for Ronald Koeman…..