A second-half goal from Spain striker Rodrigo Moreno saw Valencia through to the Copa del Rey final as Marcelino’s men edged out Betis in a 1-0 win at Mestalla on Thursday night.
Valencia came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in the first leg at the Benito Villamarin and headed into this second game as big favourites to advance.
After an evenly disputed first half, Rodrigo fired Valencia ahead in the 56th minute as Cristiano Piccini played a low pass through to Kevin Gameiro and the French forward flicked the ball across for the Spain striker to apply a simple finish from close range.
That left Betis needing to score twice and Valencia, backed by a noisy crowd at Mestalla, missed chances to extend their lead through Piccini and Gameiro.
Betis, eager to reach a final which will be played at their Benito Villamarin home, attacked in the closing stages and came close as Loren Moren headed just wide and Sergio Canales saw a fierce effort saved by Jaume Domenech.
Valencia held on to win 1-0 on the night and seal a 3-2 aggregate victory. Marcelino’s men will meet Barcelona, 4-1 winners on aggregate against Real Madrid after their 3-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, in the final in Seville on May 25th.
