Marcelino expects tough clash against Barcelona

CAIRO – 7 February 2018: Valencia manager Marcelino García expects a very difficult game on Thursday against Barcelona in the second leg of the Spanish Cup semi-finals.

“We expect a long and tough game; we play against the clear favorite of the competition with a difficult result,” Marcelino told press on Wednesday.

Barcelona managed to win the first leg 1-0 thanks to a goal from Luis Saurez 20 minutes before the final whistle.

Marcelino trusts his team’s ability to defeat Barcelona. He said, “The players are convinced and we are going to leave everything on the pitch. We are going to put Barcelona in great trouble."

Valencia have never qualified to the Spanish Cup final since 2008, when they defeated Getafe 3-1 to achieve their seventh title.

Marcelino spoke about Lionel Messi’s impact on the Barcelona team, saying, “Valencia and other teams face a Barcelona with Messi or a Barcelona without Messi; they have fewer resources without Messi, it's obvious.”

Barcelona hopes to set a new record by reaching the Spanish Cup final five times in a row.