Sadiq Umar Scores as Valencia Reach Copa del Rey Quarter-Finals

Nigerian striker  Sadiq Umar marked his return to Valencia CF in emphatic fashion by scoring in their 2–0 win over Burgos in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, helping the Spanish club secure a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Valencia opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Rubén Iranzo, who met an André Almeida corner with a headed finish to give Los Che the early advantage.

Umar then doubled the lead early in the second half, finishing confidently after a clever pass from Largie Ramazani in the 50th minute, underlining his sharp attacking instinct on his first start since rejoining the club in January.

The Nigerian forward’s movement and physical presence caused continuous problems for the Burgos defence throughout the match, and his goal offered a timely confidence boost as Valencia advance to the last eight of the Copa del Rey.

Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán managed Umar’s minutes carefully, withdrawing him in the 64th minute as his side looked to see out the game and protect their clean sheet. The quarter-final draw will take place on January 19, with Valencia among the teams awaiting their opponents.

EDITORIAL

In football, narratives are often sculpted in moments a deft pass, a late run into the box, a finish that speaks as much to timing as to talent. Sadiq Umar’s contribution to Valencia’s progression in the Copa del Rey embodies exactly this: a return not merely marked by presence but by decisive action when it mattered most.

Valencia’s Round of 16 victory over Burgos was, on paper, straightforward two goals, a clean sheet, advancement to the quarter-finals. But beneath the surface lies a more compelling story that of a player reconnecting with form and purpose. To score in a cup tie particularly on a stage that blends tradition with high stakes requires more than technical proficiency. It demands psychological sharpness and a readiness to seize the moment. Umar’s finish, delivered with the calmness of a seasoned finisher, is such a moment.

This goal arrives at a meaningful juncture in his career. After returning to Valencia in the January transfer window, there were inevitable questions about rhythm and adaptation. Such concerns evaporate in an instant of clarity, when a striker’s instinct guides ball to net and narrative tilts in favour of confidence over uncertainty. For Valencia, a club rich in history yet often beset by inconsistency, this sort of contribution from a forward is as vital as any tactical adjustment.

The context of the Copa del Rey  a competition steeped in drama and opportunity amplifies the significance of Umar’s performance. Cup football rewards those willing to embrace responsibility, and on this night, the Nigerian did precisely that. Football is, in its essence, a game of moments. Umar’s goal was one such moment, transforming not only a tie but also the tenor of his own season.

As Valencia look ahead to the quarter-final draw, they do so fortified by a performance that fused individual quality with team purpose a synergy every club in pursuit of silverware must cultivate.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Sadiq Umar’s goal against Burgos was his first in competitive action since returning to Valencia in January 2026 after a transfer from Real Sociedad.
2. Valencia’s opening goal by Rubén Iranzo came from a corner delivered by André Almeida, highlighting the importance of set pieces in cup football.
3. Valencia had not played at Burgos’ El Plantío in over three decades before this cup tie, making the victory historically notable for the venue.
4. The Copa del Rey quarter-final draw is scheduled for January 19, 2026, where Valencia will discover their next opponent in the competition.
5. Despite Valencia’s struggles in La Liga, their cup run offers an encouraging platform for players like Umar to build momentum and confidence during the season’s second half.