Cartagena vs Valencia
Copa del Rey
Third Round
Sunday
7th January 2024
Cartagonova
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Copa del Rey Third Round fixture between Cartagena and Valencia.
Cartagena vs Valencia: Preview
Cartagena form analysis
FC Cartagena’s recent league form has been slightly inconsistent despite recent cup heroics. After grinding out a narrow 1-0 home win over mid-table Sporting Gijon in the league on December 2nd, Cartagena beat fellow second tier side Alcorcon on penalties four days later to progress in the Copa Del Rey. A morale-boosting comeback 2-1 away win over playoff contenders Elche followed in La Liga 2 on December 10th courtesy of goals from Alfredo Ortuño and substitute Luis Muñoz.
This momentum was halted as defensive lapses led to a sobering 0-3 home defeat to high-flying Burgos on December 16th, blunting recent optimism regarding defensive improvements. Cartagena ended 2023 with another humbling loss, this time away to top four side Huesca by three goals to nil – a match which encapsulated recurring issues at both ends of the pitch. Addressing problems creating chances and tightening up defensively seem equally vital for Cartagena to mount a promotion push over the second half of the campaign.
Valencia form analysis
Valencia has had mixed form over recent matches. They started this run of games with a 1-0 away loss to Arosa in the Copa del Rey on December 6th, with R. Yaremchuk scoring Arosa’s winner in the 8th minute. Valencia then suffered another 1-0 loss away from home against Getafe in La Liga on December 9th, with Borja Mayoral netting an 87th minute winner for Getafe. However, Valencia responded well by grinding out a 1-1 home draw with Barcelona on December 17th; Barcelona took the lead through João Félix in the 55th minute before Hugo Guillamón equalized for Valencia in the 70th minute.
Valencia then got back to winning ways with a 1-0 away victory over Rayo Vallecano on December 19th courtesy of a 61st minute goal from Sergi Canós. Most recently, Valencia convincingly dispatched Villarreal 3-1 at home on January 3rd with a brace from Pepelu and another goal from R. Yaremchuk before Gerard Moreno pulled one back for Villarreal late on. Overall, after some inconsistent results, Valencia seem to have hit good form again recently with two wins from their last three La Liga matches. Maintaining this form could see them push further up the league table.
