Valencia salvaged pride in a miserable season by claiming their seventh King's Cup with a 3-1 win over Getafe at the Calderon on Wednesday.

Ronald Koeman's side, dragged into the relegation battle after three successive league defeats, went 2-0 up within 12 minutes thanks to goals from midfielder Juan Mata and centre back Alexis.

Getafe were given a new lease of life and hope of avenging their defeat by Sevilla in last season's final when midfielder Esteban Granero pulled a goal back from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime.

But although they put their opponents under severe pressure in the second half, it was Valencia who struck again, substitute Fernando Morientes heading in seven minutes from time to clinch victory.

The night ended on a low note for Getafe when midfielder Fabio Celestini was sent off just before the final whistle.

"I hope this triumph allows us to continue the rest of the season with a bit more tranquillity," Koeman told a news conference.

"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."

Defeat completed a heart-breaking week for Getafe who lost to Bayern Munich on away goals in the UEFA Cup.

"We were too tense at the start of the match and Valencia scored the first time they got to our area," said Getafe coach Michael Laudrup.

"Valencia won the Cup thanks to the first 10 or 15 minutes of the game. We had some good moments in the second half but it wasn't enough."