Valencia’s Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Athletic Club was a mixed emotion for Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq, who experienced both heartbreak and redemption in a single match.
The 29-year-old striker scored an own goal early on but later leveled the score, showing resilience and class despite the team ultimately losing 2–1 at the Estadio de Mestalla.
Umar Sadiq responds with redemption for Valencia
Just 26 minutes into the game, Umar Sadiq inadvertently handed Athletic Club the lead, deflecting a whipped free kick into his own net. The moment could have shaken any player, but Sadiq responded quickly.
Nine minutes later, a defensive slip from Athletic Club goalkeeper Alex Padilla allowed Sadiq to strike at the right end.
The Nigerian international calmly slotted the ball home to restore parity at 1–1. He did not celebrate, instead raising his hand in apology to the home fans — a mark of his professionalism.
Rare Copa del Rey record for Umar Sadiq
In doing so, Sadiq became the first player in La Liga to score both a goal and an own goal in a Copa del Rey match since Verza for Almería against Getafe in January 2015.
The goal also took Sadiq’s tally for Valencia to two, following his strike in the round of 16 win over Burgos CF.
Despite his impact, Sadiq was substituted after 59 minutes for Hugo Duro, and the visitors eventually secured a semi-final spot with a last-minute goal from Iñaki Williams.
A late penalty miss from Mikel Jauregizar kept Valencia in the contest for a brief moment, but Williams’ finish sealed the match in dramatic fashion.
Umar Sadiq’s evening was a mix of misfortune and brilliance — a rare narrative in football.