Nigeria international, Umar Sadiq, experienced a night of mixed fortunes as Valencia were knocked out of the Copa del Rey following a 2–1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in Wednesday’s quarter-final clash.
Bilbao went ahead in the 26th minute in unfortunate fashion, with Sadiq inadvertently turning the ball into his own net to hand the hosts the lead.
However, the Nigerian striker quickly made up for the mistake, restoring parity for Valencia about 10 minutes before the break with a well-taken equaliser.
The second half proved to be a tense and closely contested affair, with both sides pushing for a decisive goal.
Just when it appeared the match was heading for extra time, Inaki Williams struck deep into stoppage time, scoring in the 96th minute to seal Bilbao’s place in the semi-finals.
Sadiq, who struggled for regular playing time at Real Sociedad earlier this season, joined Valencia during the January transfer window in search of more opportunities.
Despite his goal, the defeat means Valencia’s Copa del Rey campaign comes to an end at the quarter-final stage.
