[SPAIN] Valencia won the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Cup, for the seventh time when it beat Getafe, 3-1, on Wednesday in Madrid to salvage its season.

Valencia, a perennial La Liga contender, has slumped to 15th place in the league, but put in a strong performance against highly rated Getafe.

Ronald Koeman's team was up, 2-0, within 12 minutes thanks to goals from Juan Mata and Alexis. Getafe midfielder Esteban Granero scored from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime, but veteran Fernando Morientes sealed the win with a header seven minutes from time.

"I hope this triumph allows us to continue the rest of the season with a bit more tranquillity," Koeman said. "We are a big club and when a big club doesn't live up to its billing there is a lot of unease. But we've won the Cup and we have to enjoy it and hope that we can build on this."