Real Sociedad Vs. Osasuna Prediction: Erreala La Real's Revenge In La Liga Spills In The Copa Del Rey

Martmendi (left) replied to Real Sociedad's defeat at home (photo: x @RealSociedad)

JAKARTA - Real Sociedad and Osasuna will meet again in just a matter of days when the two dueled in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Thursday 6 February at the Reale Arena. After losing 1-2 to Osasuna in the La Liga match in El Sadar last Sunday, La Real now has the advantage of playing at home in this crucial cup match.

Real Sociedad are in a difficult period, with four defeats in their last five games in all competitions. After losing to Valencia and Getafe in La Liga, and being beaten by Lazio 1-3 in the Conference League, they finally won 2-0 over PAOK who confirmed their ticket to the knockout play-offs.

However, that positive momentum did not last long, as they lost 1-2 again to Osasuna last weekend, where Orri Oskarsson's late goal was just entertainment. With just four points from the last six league games, La Real is now stuck in 11th place in the La Liga standings, four points adrift of the European zone.

Now, their focus is turning to the Copa del Rey, where they have eliminated Jove Espanol, Conquere, Ponferradina, and Rayo Vallecano to reach the fourth quarter-finals in a row. As the three-time champion of this tournament, Real Sociedad are determined to advance to the semifinals for the second season in a row, moreover they have won seven of the last nine home games in all competitions.

On the other hand, Osasuna is still chasing their first major trophy after almost reaching it in the 2021-22 season, when they lost 1-2 to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.

This season, Osasuna advanced to the quarter-finals after eliminating Chiclana, Ceuta, Tenerife, and defending champion Athletic Bilbao in a dramatic 3-2 win led by two goals by Ante Budimir.

Since the win, they drew against Rayo Vallecano and Las Palmas in the league, before finally beating Real Sociedad in La Liga last weekend, which was their first league win since early November. The result brought them up to eighth in the standings.

Ahead of the match at the Reale Arena, Osasuna was optimistic because they had won their last two away games against Real Sociedad, including a 2-0 win last October through goals from Lucas Torro and Budimir.

Real Sociedad coach, Imanol Alguacil, still has to overcome the absence of Hamari Traore, who was injured by ACL, while Alvaro Odriozola is likely to be absent again due to a rib injury.

Several changes in the line-up could happen, with Aihen Munoz and Sergio Gomez likely to enter the starting XI. Oskarsson, who scored three goals in the last two games, could also get a chance to start.

Coach OsasunaVicente Moreno can field his best squad without injury problems. Bryan Zaragoza, who has just recovered from injury, emerged as a substitute in the last game and could be an option from the bench.

Budimir remains a major threat up front after scoring 15 goals in 25 games this season, including three goals in the Copa del Rey.

This match is expected to be tight, where ErrealaLa Real, nicknamed Real Sociedad, is trying to avenge their defeat in La Liga, while Osasuna wants to continue their positive momentum in the Copa del Rey.

Estimated Lineup Of Players

Real Sociedad: Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Kubo, Zubimendi, Sucic, Gomez; Oyarzabal, Oskarsson.

Osasuna:Herrera; Areso, Boyomo, Catena, Cruz; Moncawala, Torro, Oroz; Ru. Garcia, Barja, Budimir.