Real Sociedad vs Osasuna Prediction, Line up and Team news
The match between Real Sociedad and Osasuna in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals promises to be an intense battle, especially after Osasuna’s recent 2-0 victory over Sociedad in La Liga. This encounter comes just days after their recent La Liga match on February 2, 2025, where Osasuna secured a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, with Ante Budimir scoring both goals.
Real Sociedad’s coach, Imanol Alguacil, remains optimistic despite the recent defeat, emphasizing the team’s focus on learning from past mistakes and the importance of home support in the upcoming match, Osasuna aims to continue their positive momentum, having ended a nine-game winless streak with their recent victory over Real Sociedad. The team is eager to replicate their success and advance to the Copa del Rey semifinals.
Match Preview
- Real Sociedad: Despite their recent loss, Sociedad remains a strong team, especially at home. Coach Imanol Alguacil has emphasized the need for focus and learning from past mistakes. Sociedad will likely rely on their key players, including Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo, to break through Osasuna’s defense.
- Osasuna: Boosted by their recent win, Osasuna will aim to continue their good form. Ante Budimir, who scored twice in the last match, will be a key player once again. The team has regained confidence after a difficult period without victories.
Key Players to Watch
- Real Sociedad:
- Mikel Oyarzabal – The captain and attacking leader, crucial for Sociedad’s creativity.
- Takefusa Kubo – A dynamic winger capable of changing the game.
- Brais Méndez – A strong presence in midfield.
- Osasuna:
- Ante Budimir – The striker in form, who scored twice in the last match.
- Moi Gómez – Provides creativity and assists from midfield.
- David García – The defensive leader who will try to stop Sociedad’s attacks.
Match Details
- Competition: Copa del Rey Quarterfinals
- Date: February 6, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 19:30 CET
- Venue: Reale Arena, San Sebastián
- Broadcast: Movistar Copa del Rey, LaLiga TV Bar (Spain)
This match is crucial for both teams, with a spot in the Copa del Rey semifinals on the line. Real Sociedad will look to bounce back in front of their home crowd, while Osasuna hopes to repeat their recent success.
Tactical Analysis
Real Sociedad’s Approach:
- Sociedad will likely play their possession-based attacking style, controlling the midfield with Zubimendi and Brais Méndez dictating the tempo.
- Full-backs like Traoré and Tierney will push forward to provide width, allowing Oyarzabal and Kubo to cut inside and create goal-scoring opportunities.
- Defensively, Robin Le Normand and Igor Zubeldia will be crucial in stopping Osasuna’s counter-attacks.
Osasuna’s Strategy:
- Osasuna will rely on a solid defensive setup, absorbing pressure and hitting Sociedad on the break.
- Lucas Torró and Moi Gómez will be key in midfield, breaking up Sociedad’s attacks and launching quick transitions.
- The main target will be Ante Budimir, whose aerial ability and finishing could be decisive again.
Head-to-Head Record
In their last five meetings, Real Sociedad has won three times, Osasuna has won once, and there was one draw. However, Osasuna’s 2-0 win last week shows they can cause problems for Sociedad.
Predicted Lineups
Real Sociedad (4-3-3):
Remiro
Traoré – Zubeldia – Le Normand – Tierney
Zubimendi – Brais Méndez – Merino
Kubo – Oyarzabal – André Silva
Osasuna (4-2-3-1):
Herrera
Areso – Catena – David García – Mojica
Torró – Moncayola
Rubén García – Moi Gómez – Ez Abde
Budimir
Prediction
- Real Sociedad 2-1 Osasuna
Sociedad’s home advantage and attacking quality might be the difference, but Osasuna has shown they can be dangerous. Expect a tight game with moments of brilliance from both sides.
Match Expectations & Key Battles
With a Copa del Rey semifinal spot at stake, both teams will bring their best. Here are some key battles that could decide the match:
Mikel Oyarzabal vs. David García
- Oyarzabal, Real Sociedad’s captain, will look to break down Osasuna’s defense with his movement and finishing.
- David García, Osasuna’s defensive leader, will need to stay organized and physical to stop Sociedad’s attacking runs.
Takefusa Kubo vs. Johan Mojica
- Kubo’s pace, dribbling, and creativity can cause serious problems on the right wing.
- Mojica must stay disciplined and avoid letting Kubo cut inside to shoot or create chances.
Ante Budimir vs. Igor Zubeldia & Robin Le Normand
- Budimir was the hero in Osasuna’s recent 2-0 win, scoring both goals.
- Sociedad’s center-backs must be strong in aerial duels and prevent Budimir from getting clear chances.
Game Scenarios
If Real Sociedad Scores Early:
- They will likely dominate possession and force Osasuna to open up, creating more spaces for Kubo and Oyarzabal to exploit.
- Their high pressing system will make it hard for Osasuna to build attacks.
If Osasuna Defends Well and Counters:
- Sociedad could get frustrated, leading to defensive mistakes.
- Osasuna will try to absorb pressure and hit Sociedad with fast counterattacks, especially through Ez Abde and Budimir.
If the Game Goes to Extra Time or Penalties:
- Both teams have strong goalkeepers (Remiro vs. Herrera), so a penalty shootout could be unpredictable.
- Sociedad, being the home team, might have more energy and motivation to push for a late goal.
Matchday Atmosphere & Fan Expectations
The atmosphere at Reale Arena is expected to be electric, with Real Sociedad fans eager to push their team into the Copa del Rey semifinals. After their recent defeat to Osasuna in La Liga, Sociedad supporters will be hoping for redemption on home soil.
Osasuna fans, on the other hand, are traveling with confidence, knowing that their team has already beaten Sociedad once this month. They will look to create an intimidating atmosphere for the home side and push their team towards another historic victory.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Imanol Alguacil (Real Sociedad Coach):
- “We must learn from our mistakes and be more clinical. Playing at home gives us extra motivation.”
- Alguacil is expected to push for a high-pressing and attacking game, using the crowd’s energy to dominate possession.
Jagoba Arrasate (Osasuna Coach):
- “We know we can beat them. We did it recently, and we’ll do it again if we stay disciplined and take our chances.”
- Arrasate will likely set up a compact defensive shape and rely on fast counterattacks.
Real Sociedad’s Victory: A Turning Point?
With this hard-fought 2-1 win over Osasuna, Real Sociedad has booked their place in the Copa del Rey semifinals, keeping their dreams of silverware alive. This victory also serves as a statement of intent after their recent La Liga loss to Osasuna, proving they can step up when it matters most.
Tactical Takeaways from the Match
Sociedad’s patience paid off – Despite Osasuna’s defensive resilience, Sociedad stuck to their attacking philosophy and found the winning goal in extra time.
Sheraldo Becker’s impact – The substitute’s pace and dribbling made the difference when defenders were tiring.
Osasuna’s dangerous counterattacks – Even in defeat, Osasuna showed they can compete with top teams, nearly forcing penalties.
Player Ratings & Man of the Match
- Takefusa Kubo (Sociedad) – 8/10 : A constant threat on the right wing, nearly scored early in the match.
- Mikel Oyarzabal (Sociedad) – 8.5/10 ⚽: Scored the opener and led his team with confidence.
- Sheraldo Becker (Sociedad) – 9/10 : Man of the Match for his decisive extra-time goal and game-changing energy.
- Ante Budimir (Osasuna) – 8/10 ⚽: Another strong performance, scoring the equalizer and keeping Sociedad’s defense busy.
- Sergio Herrera (Osasuna) – 7.5/10 : Made several key saves to keep Osasuna in the game.
In Conclusion:
The clash between Real Sociedad and Osasuna promises to be intense as Real Sociedad showed determination, quality, and squad depth to overcome Osasuna in extra time. With their eyes now set on the Copa del Rey semifinals, can they go all the way and lift the trophy?
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