Troubled Valencia face do-or-die mission in Spanish Cup semis
[quote]MADRID: Valencia's last chance to take something positive from the season depends on them getting through their King's Cup semi-final, second-leg at home to Barcelona with a goalless draw or a win tomorrow.
Ronald Koeman's troubled outfit put on an impressive defensive display in the first-leg last month, and were only denied a 1-0 victory by Xavi's injury-time equaliser at the Nou Camp.
But these are difficult times for Valencia. They are on a run of six matches without a win in all competitions, and have the joint worst home record in the league.
Their 2-1 defeat at the Mestalla to Sevilla on Saturday left them 11th in the Primera Liga, nine points off the European places, but more worryingly only four above the relegation zone.
The Cup winners earn a place in next season's UEFA Cup.
Koeman's controversiol decision to drop the likes of David Albelda and Miguel Angel Angulo, his tactics, and three wins from 17 league games since he replaced Quique Sanchez Flores, have won him few friends.
揥e need a change and it could happen on Thursday. I don't like to think about what might happen if we don't win,
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Post time 19-3-2008 11:27 AM
