(WATCH) Borja Iglesias gives Real Betis Copa del Rey final lead

Real Betis have stormed into an early 1-0 lead in their Copa del Rey final showdown against Valencia tonight.

Both managers opted for major starting changes to their respective sides at the Estadio de La Cartuja with a major trophy up for grabs in Seville.

Despite a low key start in Andalucia, it was Manuel Pellegrini’s side who made the crucial breakthrough on 11 minutes.

Spanish international Hector Bellerin’s clever burst in behind the Los Che defence was not checked and the Arsenal loanee’s cross into the box was nodded home by the returning Borja Iglesias.

The Panda delivers! 🐼

Borja Iglesias powers in a header to give Betis an early lead in the Copa del Rey final 🟢⚪ pic.twitter.com/JtBzDGeVun

— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) April 23, 2022

Pellegrini’s decision to bring Iglesias back into the starting line up has paid off early on for the Chilean manager as they aim to secure a first Copa title since 2005.

¡VAMOS @RealBetis! pic.twitter.com/zs7NplkE31

— Borja Iglesias (@BorjaIglesias9) April 23, 2022

Valencia won the Copa back in 2019, but they face an uphill battle, with the final representing a back door route in European competition for the winners next season.

Images via Getty Images