Real Sociedad secured its place in the semifinal of the Copa del Rey with a resounding 2-0 victory over Osasuna on February 6, 2025, at the Reale Arena. This win marks yet another chapter in the club's pursuit of the prestigious title, as they displayed tactical strength and resilience throughout the match.
The match kicked off at 1:30 PM local time and attracted an enthusiastic crowd of 34,658 fans. From the outset, Real Sociedad demonstrated its intent, pushing for early dominance against Osasuna, who had defeated them just days earlier in the league.
Real's first goal came from Ander Barrenetxea at the 21st minute, who took full advantage of Mikel Oyarzabal's clever assist. Barrenetxea slotted the ball home past Osasuna's goalkeeper, Sergio Herrera, sparking celebrations among the home fans. Just ten minutes later, Brais Méndez doubled the lead, seizing on sloppy defensive work from Osasuna and finishing clinically from the center of the area.
Osasuna faced a major setback when defender Alejandro Catena received a direct red card at 35 minutes, leaving his team with ten men for the remainder of the match. This incident significantly tilted the game in favor of Real Sociedad, who headed to halftime with their two-goal lead and the advantage of numerical superiority.
After the break, Osasuna struggled to find their footing, with Real Sociedad controlling the pace of the game. Osasuna coach Vicente Moreno bemoaned the impact of the red card, stating prior to the match, "We will leave everything on the pitch," but their hopes were dashed as the team could not capitalize even with substitutions bringing fresh legs onto the field.
Real Sociedad's defense remained steadfast, effectively neutralizing any attempted attacks from Osasuna. Nayef Aguerd and his fellow defenders kept Ante Budimir, the league's top scorer for Osasuna, at bay through disciplined defending. The final whistle confirmed Real's place in the semifinals, with their players and coaching staff acknowledging the importance of this victory.
Imanol Alguacil, the head coach of Real Sociedad, expressed satisfaction with the performance of his side, underlining the need to convert the opportunities they created, something they managed to do against Osasuna. He hinted at their aspirations for the tournament, stating, "We are motivated to pursue the title just as we were last season, but this time we aim for the final."
This victory propels Real Sociedad closer to repeating their victorious 2020 campaign, where they last lifted the Copa del Rey trophy. Having advanced to the semifinals, the team is now just two victories away from claiming another significant title.
The defeat leaves Osasuna lamenting yet another cup exit—this is the second consecutive year they have fallen to Real Sociedad at this stage of the competition. Despite performing well in league play, their cup ambitions were cut short, prompting questions about how they will recover as the season progresses.
Reflecting on this match, analysts noted the significance of player discipline and tactical execution, marking these factors as key elements for Real Sociedad's continued success. With the transition to knockout stage competitions, mistakes may prove costly, but it was Real Sociedad's ability to capitalize on their opponent’s errors and maintain composure under pressure, which led them through to the next round.
Looking forward, Real Sociedad will be eager to maintain momentum and capitalize on this victory as they seek success not only within the Copa del Rey but also continue their push for stronger performances within La Liga and Europe’s competitions.
With Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid already secured their semifinals spots, the competition intensifies, and the focus now shifts to find out which two teams will fill the remaining slots on the path to the Copa del Rey final. These goals are within reach for Real Sociedad, making their victory over Osasuna all the more significant.
For fans of the club, the atmosphere at the Reale Arena was electric, showcasing the passion and loyalty of the supporters who believe firmly in their team's potential for greatness. With playoffs on the horizon, all eyes will be on Real Sociedad as they aim to bring home the Copa del Rey once again.