Castellón vs Osasuna
Copa del Rey
Third Round
Sunday
7th January 2024
Nou Castalia
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Copa del Rey Third Round fixture between Castellón and Osasuna.
Castellón vs Osasuna: Preview
Castellón form analysis
Castellón’s recent form has been inconsistent despite a thrilling start to December. A dominant 4-1 home win over struggling Linares on December 2nd was followed by a morale-boosting 2-1 home victory over second tier Real Oviedo in the Copa Del Rey four days later. However, a reality check came next match courtesy of a sobering 2-0 away defeat against promotion rivals Córdoba on December 10th. Castellón bounced back with an important 2-1 home win over Real Murcia on December 17th thanks to goals from the ever-dangerous H. Medunjanin and De Miguel.
Momentum continued after the winter break as Castellón comfortably beat struggling Sanluqueño 0-2 away from home on January 3rd courtesy of a De Miguel opener and late own goal. Overall, Castellón has shown they can blow teams away on their day but must address struggles in breaking down notoriously stubborn defenses. Building ruthlessness and consistency will be key for the manager to sustain a promotion push in the second half of the Primera Division RFEF season.
Osasuna form analysis
After a strong start, Osasuna’s league form has dipped amid key injuries and defensive issues. A 1-3 defeat away at Villarreal on November 26th halted momentum before battling back to draw 1-1 at home to Real Sociedad on December 3rd courtesy of a U. Sadiq equalizer. However, defensive struggles resurfaced in a 1-1 away draw at Cádiz on December 10th, with Osasuna riding their luck despite earning a point. A second half Raúl García header saw off Rayo Vallecano 1-0 at home on December 16th in an unconvincing performance.
These defensive problems persisted as Osasuna ended 2023 with a disappointing 2-3 defeat away at Mallorca on December 22nd, twice taking the lead before defensive lapses proved costly despite another late García goal. Overall, Osasuna must improve concentration and steel at the back for the coach to get their push for Europe back on track. With Chimy Ávila’s goals missing, shoring up defensively to allow creative players freedom seems essential during a tough January run of fixtures.
