Nigeria striker Umar Sadiq carved his name into Valencia’s history as the club stumbled to a 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday night, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
On a night of high drama at the Mestalla, Sadiq rewrote the record books after scoring at both ends of the pitch – for Bilbao in the 26th minute and for Valencia 10 minutes later.
The Super Eagles striker became the first-ever Valencia player to score both for and against the club in a single Spanish competition match.
Sadiq is also the first La Liga player to score a goal and an own goal in a Copa del Rey match since Verza for Almeria against Getafe in January 2015.
The 27-year-old’s unusual record-setting evening began in unfortunate fashion when he attempted to deal with a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area. Under pressure, the striker could only glance the ball past his own goalkeeper, handing Athletic Bilbao an early advantage.
But Sadiq responded 10 minutes later, pouncing on a costly error from Bilbao goalkeeper Alex Padilla to roll the ball into an unguarded net and restore parity for Valencia.
However, Athletic Bilbao had the final say. Six minutes into added time, Ghana international Iñaki Williams broke Valencia hearts with a decisive strike, sealing a dramatic late victory and knocking the hosts out of the Copa del Rey.
Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán refused to apportion blame to Sadiq following the defeat.
“I didn’t see Sadiq’s gesture, but I understand he was eager to score, and an own goal is always painful,” Corberán said after the match.
“He’s contributed a lot of hard work, and no player wants to suffer an own goal.”
The equaliser marked Sadiq’s second Copa del Rey goal since returning to the club during the winter transfer window, following his earlier strike in the 2-0 win over Burgos CF.
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