In an exciting Copa del Rey clash, Osasuna and Real Sociedad will lock horns at El Sadar Stadium on Wednesday.
While Osasuna aims to continue their impressive cup run after reaching the final last season, Real Sociedad hopes to go beyond the quarter-finals, which has been their recent hurdle.
Match Preview:
Osasuna showcased their strength in the previous Copa del Rey campaign by defeating Real Betis, Sevilla, and Athletic Bilbao en route to the final.
Unfortunately, they fell short against Real Madrid, but their resilience was evident as they canceled out an early goal before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat.
With their second appearance in the final, Osasuna aims to make their mark in this year’s tournament.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad enters the competition after securing narrow victories in the earlier rounds.
They have a history of struggling in the later stages, failing to progress beyond the quarter-finals since winning the trophy in 2020.
However, their solid form in the group stage of the Champions League indicates their potential to challenge for silverware.
Osasuna suffered their first defeat of the year against Barcelona in the Supcopa de Espana semi-finals. Nevertheless, they started 2024 with two victories, including an impressive extra-time win over CD Castellon in the Copa del Rey opener.
Osasuna’s home form has been strong, with a four-game unbeaten streak since November, including wins against Rayo Vallecano and Almeria.
Real Sociedad’s recent form has been a mix of draws and defeats, but they enjoyed a 12-match unbeaten streak before losing to Athletic Bilbao in the La Liga.
Their solid performances in the Champions League group stage, where they finished ahead of renowned clubs like Inter Milan, Leipzig, and Salzburg, highlight their capabilities.
Team News:
Osasuna will miss the services of Argentine forward Chimy Avila, who sustained an injury in their previous match against Almeria.
Colombian defender Johan Mojica is expected to start from the bench after his return from a ligament injury.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, will be without Takefusa Kubo, Hamari Traore, and Umar Sadiq due to international duties.
Additionally, Martin Merquelanz remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Alvaro Odriozola is a doubt after his early substitution in the last game.
Possible Lineups:
Osasuna: (5-3-2)
Herrera;
Pena, Cruz, Catena, Garcia, Areso;
Gomez, Munoz, Oroz;
Arnaiz, Budimir
Real Sociedad: (4-4-2)
Marrero;
Elustondo, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Tierney;
Zakharyan, Merino, Zubimendi, Barrenetxea;
Mendez, Oyarzabal
Prediction: Osasuna 1-2 Real Sociedad
In what promises to be an intense encounter, both teams will be eager to bounce back from their recent defeats. Real Sociedad holds a favorable record against Osasuna, winning three of their last 20 meetings.
However, Osasuna’s strong home form and desire to extend their cup run could make this a closely contested match.
