Continental AG congratulate their promotion partner Timo Hildebrand. The German international goalkeeper won the Spanish Cup with FC Valencia. The two-time UEFA Champions League finalists defeated FC Getafe 3-1 (2-1) in the final of the “Copa del Rey” at Stadium Vicente Calderon, Madrid, on Wednesday April 17, in front of 55,000 spectators. Hildebrand, who turned 29 on April 5, celebrated a major trophy in his first season with the Spanish club after he had left VfB Stuttgart as German national champion last summer.

The Valencia supporters, clad in the orange club colours, acclaimed the German goalkeeper with a chorus of “Timo, Timo”. Hildebrand had excelled in a phase during the second half when Valencia came under considerable pressure. The newspaper “Marca” wrote on Thursday: “Braulio had a fantastic chance to equalise for 2-2, but Hildebrand was world class. He was the decisive figure in this victory”. It was Valencia’s seventh Cup triumph. The team successfully qualified for the next UEFA Cup competition.

Mata (4th) and Alexis (12th) ensured Valencia an early lead. Hildebrand conceded a penalty goal, struck home by Granero, to make it 2-1 in injury time of the first half. In the second half Getafe, currently holding 13th position in the championship, clearly dominated against Valencia, 15th in the table.

Hildebrand took the limelight and ensured the victory. Morientes (83rd) made the match safe with the 3-1 final score. Shortly before the end, Getafe were reduced to 10 men with a red card for Swiss Celestini.

“It’s absolutely fantastic. This success is the icing on the cake for us after a complicated season”, said Hildebrand. “I am hoping it will give us impetus for the remaining six matches in the Primera Division”. Valencia, who competed in the current UEFA Champions League season in a group which included Schalke, Chelsea and Trondheim, but were eliminated, still have to save themselves from relegation.

“We don’t have much time for celebrating”, Valencia coach Ronald Koeman disclosed, considering the important upcoming match away to Atletico Bilbao on Sunday (April 20). It is uncertain how long the Dutchman, who joined Valencia only this season, will remain. The team will meet Osasuna (at home), FC Barcelona (away), Real Saragossa (home), Levante (away) and Atletico Madrid (home) in the remaining championship games. “If we can achieve four points from these matches, we might be saved”, Hildebrand said. Two of Valencia’s opponents, Saragossa and Levante, currently linger in two of the three relegation positions.