Alaves claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Celta Vigo to set up a clash against Barcelona in their first ever Copa del Rey final.
Edgar Mendez came off the bench to score the all-important goal for the home side with just eight minutes left to play, surging through the Celta Vigo defence to chip an audacious finish over Sergio Alvarez.
172 minutes were played over the two legs before a breakthrough was made, with the match played with a cautious undertone. Alaves were ultimately rewarded for showing more ambition though, with the club celebrating their win with a fireworks display at full time.
Deportivo Alaves players celebrate after winning the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) semi final second leg football match Deportivo Alaves SAD vs RC Celta de Vigo at the Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz on February 8, 2017.
Image credit: AFP
Mauricio Pellegrino’s side will face Barcelona in the final, with the venue set to be determined but regardless of where the game is played Alaves have already made history by just being there. Now, they will target going one better.
TALKING POINT
Did Celta Vigo throw this opportunity away? There is no doubt that Celta Vigo should have had the quality to make it through this tie. They are a technically superior side than Alaves and had sufficient changes over the two legs to progress to their fifth ever Copa del Rey final. As it turned out, they will rue a missed opportunity to set up a clash against Barcelona. This is a blot on Eduardo Berizzo’s copybook.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Deyverson (Alaves) Not exactly known for his work rate, Deyverson was everywhere for Alaves this evening. When the home side needed someone to drive their attack forward, pushing for the winner, he was there for them. Deyverson isn’t the most gifted of players, lacking natural finishing instinct in front of goal, but his drive and energy were crucial as Alaves created a little bit of history.
Deportivo Alaves' Brazilian forward Deyverson Silva (L) vies with Celta Vigo's Argentinian defender Facundo Roncaglia during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) semi final second leg football match Deportivo Alaves SAD vs RC Celta de Vigo at the Mendizo
Image credit: AFP
PLAYER RATINGS
Alaves - Pacheco 7, Femenia 6, Laguardia 6, Feddal 7, Hernandez 6, Llorente 8, Camarasa, Manu7, Ibai 8, Toquero 7, Deyverson 8. Subs - Edgar 7, Alexis 5, Vigaray 5.
Celta Vigo - Sergio 7, Mallo 7, Cabral 7, Roncaglia 5, Jonny 6, Radoja 5, Marcelo 6, Tucu 5, Bongonda 6, Aspas 7, Wass 5. Subs - Sisto 5, Rossi 5, Guidetti 5.
KEY MOMENTS
11’ WHAT A SAVE! That's the first real chance of the match, and how didn't Aspas find the net? He took the shot from about six yards out, but Pacheco got down low to turn the ball round the far post.
63’ HOW DIDN'T HE SCORE? Celta Vigo come flying forward on the rapid counter attack, with the ball played to Wass at the back post, but he sends his shot from close range wide.
82’ GOAL! Alaves 1-0 Celta Vigo: There's the goal that could decide this tie! What a sub! Edgar charges through the Celta Vigo defence, waits and chips his shot over Sergio. What a goal! How important could that be? It could be historic!
Deportivo Alaves players celebrate after winning the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) semi final second leg football match Deportivo Alaves SAD vs RC Celta de Vigo at the Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz on February 8, 2017.
Image credit: AFP
KEY STATS
Alaves have made it to their first ever Copa del Rey final in their 96-year history.
Sergio Alvarez has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the Copa del Rey this season.
Edgar Mendez has scored more goals than any other Alaves player this season (seven).
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