Nigeria international Umar Sadiq endured a dramatic night as Valencia were knocked out of the Copa del Rey following a 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in their quarter-final clash on Wednesday.
The forward was at the centre of the key moments in the game, but not all went his way.
Athletic Bilbao took the lead in the 26th minute after Sadiq inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a dangerous delivery into the box.
However, the Super Eagles striker quickly made amends for his mistake, restoring parity for Valencia in the 35th minute with a composed finish that levelled the score before the break.
Despite Sadiq’s equaliser, Valencia were unable to hold on as the match stretched into extra time.
In the 96th minute, Athletic Bilbao sealed their place in the semi-finals when Inaki Williams struck the decisive goal, ending Valencia’s Copa del Rey campaign.
The defeat marked a bittersweet outing for Sadiq, who experienced both the highs and lows of knockout football in one intense evening.
