Edgar strikes late to seal historic final berth
Alaves will contest a Copa del Rey final for the first time in its history after Edgar Mendez's late goal secured a 1-0 aggregate over Celta Vigo on Thursday (AEDT) to set up a showdown with Barcelona
Mauricio Pellegrino's men claimed a commendable 0-0 draw in last week's first leg and were good value for victory at Mendizorroza, as second-half substitute Edgar secured a famous win in what was the club's biggest match since losing to Liverpool in the 2000-2001 UEFA Cup final.
Victory was nothing more than its general play deserved, as it showed far more attacking intent than its visitor - though Iago Aspas remained a real nuisance to them and went close to breaking the deadlock on two separate occasions in the first half.
The home side's problem in the first period was its inability to turn control into efforts on goal, failing to register a single shot on target.
Alaves was better after the break, though, testing Sergio Alvarez more regularly and spending almost the entire second period in the ascendancy.
And eventually the breakthrough came eight minutes from time, as Edgar scored a lovely solo goal to send Alaves through to an historic final.
