Sadiq Scores Both Ways as Athletic Eliminate Valencia

Umar Sadiq experienced a dramatic night as Athletic Club knocked Valencia out of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday, February 4, with the Super Eagles striker scoring for and against Los Che in the quarter-final played in Bilbao. Athletic advanced after capitalising on key moments at both ends.

Sadiq opened the scoring for Valencia with a composed finish but later turned the ball into his own net under pressure, swinging momentum back to Athletic. “It was a strange game for me,” Sadiq said after the match. “I wanted to help my team, but football can be cruel.”

Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde praised his side’s response, saying, “We stayed focused despite the setback and took our chances when it mattered.” A Valencia defender added, “Conceding like that was tough. Small details decided the tie.”

Athletic’s victory sends them into the Copa del Rey semi-finals, while Valencia exit after a night of fine margins and mixed emotions for Sadiq.