Real Sociedad and Osasuna are set for another fierce matchup as they clash in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 19:30 CET at the Reale Arena, San Sebastián-Donostia, Spain. This game is not just another round of the cup; it’s a chance for both sides to establish momentum as they strive for glory.
Despite struggling recently, Real Sociedad will have home advantage, which they hope will help them turn their fortunes around. The Basque side has fallen victim to poor performances, boasting only four points from their last six league matches, leaving them languishing at 11th place with stakeholders calling for change. After suffering defeats to Getafe and Osasuna, Imanol Alguacil's squad rebounded with a 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League last week. Nonetheless, their inability to build on this victory was evident when they lost 2-1 to Osasuna just days later.
The mounting pressure on Sociedad is palpable, with Alguacil defending key players like Orri Óskarsson, who recently transferred for €20 million yet has only scored three goals. "I won’t ask for reinforcements," Alguacil stated, insisting confidence remains in his current squad (reporting agencies). This reluctance to dip back in the transfer market mirrors the club’s strategic focus on fostering homegrown talents and retaining squad stability amid challenges.
On the brighter side, Osasuna has been reclaiming their form. The team recently climbed to eighth place after thy netted their first La Liga victory since early November, fueled by Ante Budimir's remarkable brace against their rivals. His performance was not only significant for the latest game but also important for the continuation of Osasuna's ambitions, as he is currently their top scorer with 15 goals this season. His uncanny knack for turning chances, coupled with his ability to prowl behind defenses, makes him the player to watch.
Historically speaking, Osasuna holds the upper hand with wins from their latest three encounters, including the last one relatively recently, which heightens the stakes for Sociedad. Having experienced such recent defeats against Osasuna teaches them the importance of tactical execution—something Ronaldo's team must rectify if they hope to advance.
Defensively, Real Sociedad has allowed too many scoring opportunities lately, particularly highlighted by their games against Valencia and Lazio. The rustiness of their performance places Osasuna perfectly poised to exploit those gaps with their dynamic counter-attacking style, which often culminates from their aggressive style out of possession, creating wide triangles to advantageously maneuver around defensive lines.
Real Sociedad's recent dips have called for adjustments, and it’s likely Alguacil will tinker with the lineup. Expect potential starts from fresh faces such as Aihen Munoz and Sergio Gomez to come to the fore. Meanwhile, Osasuna, under Vicente Moreno, boasts the luxury of having no reported injuries, propping up their confidence heading onto the pitch.
Notably, there’s the aspect of revenge for Real Sociedad. After being bested by Osasuna just days prior, the hosts will look to channel their home ground energy to vault past the quarterfinal hurdle. With history on their side, alas, they must overcome psychological barriers produced by previous encounters.
Despite the odds being close, bookmakers seem to favor Osasuna slightly, who were backed by 22Bet with predictions favoring their progression to the next round due to existing form. Matching the fierce anticipation of fans, the atmosphere generated by the Reale Arena will undoubtedly fuel both teams. Will the hosts finally conquer Osasuna, or will the visitors solidify their dominance over this fixture?
Predictions linger as fans expect another nail-biter, which isn’t uncommon when rival teams meet at this stage. Some pundits back Real Sociedad to edge Osasuna out 2-1, whereas those siding with the visitors lean toward beating them again with the score closely aligned at 1-0. The beautiful game will reveal its truths as both clubs aim for their respective goals—the quest for the historic Copa del Rey trophy.