Umar Sadiq's Own Goal Sets Unwanted Record in Copa del Rey Defeat

In a Copa del Rey match at Mestalla, Valencia faced a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against Athletic Bilbao. Umar Sadiq, a Super Eagles forward, made history for an unwanted reason by becoming the first Valencia player to score against his own club in a single Spanish competition match.

Sadiq inadvertently turned a free kick into his own net in the 26th minute, giving Bilbao the lead. However, he redeemed himself by calmly slotting the ball into an empty net to level the score just 10 minutes later.

Despite Valencia's fightback, Athletic Bilbao delivered the decisive blow in deep stoppage time when Ghana international Aki Williams scored, securing a dramatic victory and eliminating Valencia from the competition. Sadiq's performance drew sympathy from head coach Carlo Corberán, who defended the striker despite his error.

This match marked Sadiq's second Copa del Rey goal since his return to Valencia in the winter transfer window, following an earlier strike in a 2-0 win against Burgo CF.