In the bowels of the 3,000-capacity Estadio Antonio Puchades, the VCF Mestalla team sat shoulder to shoulder in the no-frills dressing room. Above their heads were their matchday jerseys loosely hung on hooks, beneath simple box lockers. Strewn around the classroom-sized room were boots, slippers, socks and an ice box here and there. Their eyes […]
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It is finally over. A stormy season that initially promised so much has ended with Los Che in mid-table. But there are still positives to take heart in. While the team’s performances have often been found wanting, the displays of certain individuals have left fans wanting more. A few Bats have soared against the turbulent […]
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And so the first full season under Jose Bordalas concludes. It was a campaign that burned bright at the start with Los Che topping the table and nearly ended in fireworks with a Copa del Rey win. In between, however, were periods of dullness. Here are Batzine’s ratings for our defence, midfield and attack. Caution: […]
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Leaning back against a seat in the Antonio Puchades mini-stadium at the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna, Hugo Duro cuts a relaxed figure after a rain-soaked training session. Dressed down in socks and slippers for an exclusive interview with Batzine, Duro is feeling cosy and toasty as the rain pelts down around the stands. It is […]
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As Hugo Duro bore down on the Real Betis goal, he knew it was his moment. The Copa Del Rey final had been played at blistering pace till then, and Betis had quickly taken the lead in just the 11th minute. On 31 minutes, the ball streamed upfield in a flash, from Carlos Soler to […]
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The day of the Copa final is here! The square by the 16th-century Cathedral de Sevilla became a quaking shrine for hundreds, if not thousands, of Los Che diehards who had made the pilgrimage to the Andalusian capital. All Valencianistas – some cribbed in a cot and many caught in capricious cavorting – are praying […]
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The biggest game of our season is upon us. Against all odds, Los Che are travelling west across the country this weekend to contest the Copa Del Rey final. Coach Jose Bordalas has played up the occasion, calling it a “historic moment”. Could we really do it and bring home our 9th Copa trophy? Batzine […]
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As the Copa del Rey final dawns upon us, a clear favourite has emerged. Nope, they are not Valencia. So what makes Real Betis the frontrunners for the April 23 showpiece? DOMESTIC DOMINANCE With 17 wins and 5 draws out of 31 league games, Los Verdiblancos have carried last season’s sterling form – when they […]
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When it comes to the Copa Del Rey, or King’s Cup, Valencia sure know how to rack up the trophies. The 5th most successful club in this 119-year-old competition has 8 cups and 17 final appearances so far. As Los Che gear up for another silverware showdown, here are our top 5 cup moments. #1 […]
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Copa Del Rey – the largest domestic cup competition in Spain. Beginning in 1903, this contest has proven to be a prolific battleground for Spanish football clubs. Year after year, lower league minnows dream of great upsets and making a name for themselves, while larger clubs such as Barcelona relish the opportunity to stamp their […]
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