BEIJING, March 21 -- Valencia stunned Barcelona 3-2 at the Mestalla to reach the King's Cup final 4-3 on aggregate Thursday. Barca, who had scrambled an injury-time equalizer to draw 1-1 in the first leg, were hit by a Ruben Baraja piledriver and a breakaway goal from Juan Mata before halftime in an intense encounter they dominated throughout.

Valencia's players celebrate their victory against Barcelona in their Spanish King's Cup semi-final second leg soccer match at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia March 20, 2008.

Substitute Thierry Henry pulled one back for Barca in the second half only for Mata to bag his second almost immediately and, although a late Samuel Eto'o goal set up a grandstand finish, it was to no avail. The victory relieves some of the pressure on coach Ronald Koeman who has seen Valencia drop out of Europe and the league title race since he replaced Quique Sanchez Flores in November.

"It's ridiculous to say your fortunes change because of one game, but all teams need a little breathing space and hopefully this victory give us that," said Koeman.

"It's a great night for Valencia who have suffered a lot recently."

Valencia will meet Getafe on April 16, with a place in next season's UEFA Cup up for grabs, after Michael Laudrup's side booked a second consecutive appearance in the final with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Racing Santander on Wednesday.

ON THE BREAK

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