The anticipation is building in northern Spain as Burgos CF prepares to host Valencia in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 at the Estadio Municipal El Plantio. Scheduled for the evening of January 15, 2026, this clash not only pits a hungry second-tier side against a struggling La Liga outfit but also offers the tantalizing prospect of a classic cup upset. With both starting lineups now confirmed and excitement swirling, fans are eager to see whether Burgos can extend their fairytale run or if Valencia’s experience will prove decisive under the pressure of knockout football.
Burgos’ journey to the Round of 16 has been nothing short of remarkable. Having last reached this stage in the 1972-73 season, the club’s current campaign has revived memories of past glories. Their most recent cup triumph—a dramatic 3-1 comeback win over Getafe—sent shockwaves through Spanish football and underscored the team’s resilience. That victory equaled their best-ever performance in the competition, and with the home crowd behind them, Burgos are determined to go one step further.
Under the guidance of manager Luis Miguel Ramis, Burgos has quietly built a reputation as a tough nut to crack at home. The numbers speak for themselves: just 0.75 goals conceded per home game this season across all competitions. They are unbeaten in their last three home matches and recently snapped a brief winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Eibar. Sitting eighth in the Segunda Division and only two points off the playoff spots, Burgos approach this tie brimming with belief.
Team news for the hosts is largely positive. Central midfielder Kevin Appin remains a doubt due to injury, but right-back Alex Lizancos returns from suspension, adding steel to the back line. Inigo Cordoba, who impressed in the previous round, is expected to play a key role once again. The confirmed starting eleven reflects a blend of youthful energy and seasoned campaigners, with Ruiz in goal; Lizancos, A Criado, Grego, and Miguel forming the defense; I Cordoba, Atienza, and Cantero anchoring the midfield; and D Gonzalez, Nino, and M Gonzalez spearheading the attack.
Valencia, by contrast, arrive at El Plantio under a cloud. Their La Liga form has been alarming—no wins in their last six league outings, a run that has left them 18th in the table and just a single point above the relegation zone. The pressure is mounting on manager Carlos Corberan, whose job security has become a hot topic among fans and pundits alike. According to recent reports, "Defeat against second-tier opposition in the cup could mean the end of his reign."
Despite their struggles, Valencia’s cup pedigree cannot be ignored. They advanced to this stage with a 2-0 victory over Sporting Gijon in December, a performance that momentarily lifted spirits at Mestalla. Corberan has opted for squad rotation in this crucial tie, giving some lesser-known names a chance to shine while resting key regulars. The confirmed starting lineup features Dimitrievski in goal; Ruben Iranzo, Komert, Tárrega, and Jesús Vázquez across the back; Baptiste Santamaria and Javi Guerra in midfield; Diego López, Ramazani, and Almeida supporting Sadiq in attack. Injuries continue to plague Los Che, with defender Thierry Correia a doubt and both Mouctar Diakhaby and first-choice goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala sidelined by muscle problems.
Valencia’s away form offers little comfort for their supporters. The team has managed just three points from nine away league matches this season. Their most recent outings—a heavy 4-1 defeat in Vigo and a 1-1 home draw with Elche, salvaged only by a late Pepelu equalizer—have highlighted the fragility in both defense and attack. The odds reflect the uncertainty: while Valencia are slight favorites, the possibility of a Burgos upset is seen as genuine, with Betfair offering odds of 11/4 for the home side to triumph.
Predictions for this encounter are split. Some analysts expect Valencia’s superior experience and depth to eventually tell, especially if they can reproduce the energy shown in their cup win over Sporting Gijon. Others, however, point to Burgos’ formidable home record and Valencia’s ongoing struggles as reasons to believe in another shock. As one preview put it, "Burgos hope for another upset at the Estadio Municipal El Plantio after beating top-flight Getafe 3-1 in the last round. They are a tough team to beat in their own stadium."
For Burgos, the key will be maintaining their defensive discipline and seizing opportunities on the counterattack. The midfield battle, likely featuring Atienza and Cantero against Valencia’s Santamaria and Guerra, could prove decisive. Up front, all eyes will be on Nino and M Gonzalez to test a Valencia defense that has looked vulnerable in recent weeks.
On the other side, Valencia will look to their youthful attacking trio—Diego López, Ramazani, and Almeida—to provide the spark. Sadiq, leading the line, faces a stern examination against a Burgos defense that has conceded less than a goal per home game. The absence of key defenders and the reliance on squad players add another layer of unpredictability for Los Che.
Adding to the intrigue is the historical context: this marks the first-ever Copa del Rey meeting between Burgos and Valencia. With so much at stake for both teams—Burgos aiming to make history and Valencia desperate to avoid further embarrassment—the atmosphere is sure to be electric. As one previewer mused, "With that combination of fresh legs and bold decisions, there is a buzz of anticipation. Such rotations in cup matches often make sense, don't they? A chance to rest key players and give others a chance to shine—some might even say it’s a stroke of genius."
As the teams take to the pitch under the El Plantio floodlights, the outcome remains anyone’s guess. Will Burgos defy the odds and extend their magical run, or can Valencia steady the ship and keep their cup hopes alive? One thing is certain: the stage is set for a compelling contest, and Spanish football fans are in for a treat as the action unfolds.
With kickoff imminent and the lineups locked in, all eyes turn to the Estadio Municipal El Plantio. Whether it’s the underdog’s resilience or the favorite’s experience that carries the day, this Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie promises drama, tension, and perhaps a twist or two before the final whistle blows.
