Cloud9 Cadiz
FC Huelva advances to semifinals to play Villareal
Huelva youngster Alejandro Baldé has shown prime talent in previous weeks
By Juan Palazzo, football writer
FC Huelva advanced over favorite Atlético Valencia in the quarterfinals of the 2022-23 Copa del Anillo to face Villareal. Huelva, currently ranked fourth in the league table, showed remarkable talent in their Wednesday win over Atleti.
Huelva in recent years have faced more challenging seasons, creating a barrier between their performance in the 2010s and theirs in recent years. However, in the past few years, Huelva manager Pedri has focused on grasping new and young talent, attempting to create a new generation of the club.
Though, despite this goal, the team signed Evinean central midfielder James Lanre who has presented an intriguing case in being awarded the league’s Most Valuable Player honor. Lanre has played an essential part of the team, receiving passes from the defensive unit and creating counter attack chances which in turn has given Lanre a plethora of assists or notable passes.
Despite Atleti being ranked higher in the league table, Huelva fully deserved to this one. They played with control, used world-class zonal marking, and utilized their triangulation skills which brought the ball down the pitch towards Atleti’s goal.
At minute 50’, James Lanre crossed the ball as a corner kick to find centerback Gustaf Hendrikson who would use his head to tap the ball behind the Atleti keeper.
Huelva’s defense refused to let Atleti score even despite two open chances in the dying minutes of the match. The final result was how the game stood for the final forty minutes.
Huelva will now go onto play fifth-ranked Villareal in the semifinals. Huelva are the favorites to win.
Man of the Match: James Lanre (CM, Huelva)