He Pontevedra, the ‘David’ of the Copa del Rey that eliminated three ‘Goliaths’ such as Levante, Villarreal and Mallorca in previous rounds, will try to cause a new surprise in the competition against Getafe, who in turn will face an illusion which he has not enjoyed for six years: reaching the quarterfinals.
He José Bordalás’ team has not played that round since 2019, when they were eliminated by Valencia in Mestalla in a very close tie that was decided in the last moments of the second leg played in the ‘che’ team’s stadium. Since then, their journey through the Copa del Rey has been quite erratic with four eliminations in the second round, one in the round of 32 and another in the round of 16.
Now, Getafe will have the opportunity to leave behind six years without being among the best in the competition to fill a spot on the roster of the chosen ones. A priori, has everything to win against a rival from the Second RFEF (three categories below), but is aware that it will not be easy to finish off a team that has been able to surpass higher level rivals.
That’s why, Bordalás, as always, will demand maximum performance from his players. concentration and intensity to continue their good streak of results in 2025: they started the year by eliminating Granada in the round of 32 and continued it with a victory last weekend against Las Palmas in the League. They have taken some breath in the standings with three points ahead of relegation and can focus with more interest on the Cup.
As in all rounds, there are less common players who will start from the beginning. For example, goalkeeper Jirí Letácekwhich has been key with his performances. The Czech goalkeeper has performed at a spectacular level and has earned to continue in the position. Also names like Domingos Duarte, in the center of defense, or Carles Pérez, eclipsed due to the emergence of the youth squad Coba da Costa They could leave from the beginning.
Besides, Diego Ricowho missed the clash against Las Palmas due to suspension and has fewer minutes in his legs, could start from the start. And he also has options to be a starter for the first time since Borja Mayoral overcame a serious injury, who has had minutes in the last matches in which he has scored decisive goals like the ones he celebrated against Granada and Las Palmas.
Bordalás also recovers central defender Juan Berrocalabsent in the League due to physical discomfort, while Yellu Santiago It is doubtful due to the flu and Trouble with Allan Nyom safe from injury.
Meanwhile, Pontevedra, the only survivor of the Second RFEF in the round of 16 of the Copa del Reywill face a new historic challenge in search of the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey.
A round that the Galician team has only played twice in its history, both in the sixties (1964-65 and 1966-67 seasons), when the maroons were active in the First Division.
Those feats of the legendary ‘Hai que roelo’ are about to be equaled the Pontevedra of Yago Iglesias, a signature team that has dismantled Levante, Villarreal and Mallorca with its offensive football in the previous qualifying rounds.
And it is that Pasarón will host a duel of antagonistic styles. The touch football of the garnets will have a demanding test before the team of José Bordalás, a coach who prioritizes order and defensive solidity.
The Pontevedra coach confirmed that Manu Vizoso will continue to be the goalkeeper in the Cup “as far as we go,” and hinted at the owned by Pelayo and Samu Mayo, that they will not be able to play the derby against SD Compostela this weekend due to suspension.
Probable lineups:
Pontevedra: Manu Vizoso; Javi Fontan, Pelayo, Mario Gomez, Hector Hernandez; Xabi, Samu Mayo: Alex Gonzalez, Yelko Pine, Dalisson; and Rufus.
Getafe: Letacek; John Church, Djene, Duarte, Diego Rico; Carles Perez, Mile, Arambarri, Coba; Uche and Alvaro Rodriguez.
Referee: Alejandro Quintero González (Andalusian Committee).
Stadium: Municipal of Pasarón.
7:30 p.m. (Movistar Plus)
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