On Saturday night, Athletic Club and Real Mallorca will face off in the Copa del Rey final at the Estadio Olimpico de Sevilla.
Athletic looking to bounce back from Real Madrid defeatThe Basque team suffered a 2-0 defeat at La Liga leaders Real Madrid last time out. The defeat ended a four-game unbeaten run in all competitions for Los Leones. The game also ended a run of four consecutive clean sheets.
Athletic Club has an excellent recent record in the Copa del Rey. They are unbeaten in eight cup games, having recorded six wins in normal time and one extra-time victory, while the other match ended in a draw.
Ernesto Valverde’s team has been strong at both ends of the pitch in the competition. Athletic have scored at least two goals in six of their last seven matches while also keeping five clean sheets in the same run of games.
Mallorca on an inconsistent recent run of formThe Islanders’ recent form has been inconsistent, although they have won just two of their last seven games over 90 minutes in all competitions.
A 0-0 draw at Valencia last time out was a decent result. The game was another low-scoring outing for Real Mallorca, as their last six competitive games have produced under 2.5 goals.
Mallorca is unbeaten in their previous seven games in the Copa del Rey, having won four matches over 90 minutes, one in extra time and one in a penalty shootout.
Javier Aguirre’s team has built its run for the Copa del Rey final on strong defensive foundations. They have kept clean sheets in five of their last seven outings in the Spanish Cup.
What am I backing?This is likely to be a relatively even game with a low-scoring encounter. However, the bet I am backing is a narrow Athletic victory.
