Osasuna vs Real Sociedad
Copa del Rey
Fourth Round
Wednesday
17th January 2024
El Sadar
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Copa del Rey Fourth Round fixture between Osasuna and Real Sociedad.
Osasuna vs Real Sociedad: Preview
Osasuna form analysis
CA Osasuna come into the new year with three wins from their last five league matches. Their most recent result was a hard fought 1-0 home victory over strugglers Almeria courtesy of a clinical first half Ante Budimir finish. Prior to that though, Osasuna produced an entertaining performance away to Mallorca in a seven goal thriller. Taking the lead through Pablo Ibanez before a Dani Rodriguez brace helped the hosts lead 3-1. However, Budimir pulled one back from the spot late on to set up a grandstand finish.
That loss ended a run of three straight wins, including an excellent last gasp 1-0 home victory over Champions League chasing Rayo Vallecano sealed by veteran Raul Garcia in injury time building on Moi Gomez’s early opener. Osasuna’s only other dropped points recently came in a creditable 1-1 away draw at relegation threatened Cadiz. On the whole, the well organized side look extremely solid defensively and dangerous from set pieces with Garcia and Budimir’s aerial threat, making Osasuna very tough to beat despite lacking goals from open play at times.
Real Sociedad form analysis
Real Sociedad come into the new year with just one win from their last five league matches. Their most recent result was a 2-1 away defeat in the Basque derby against high-flying Athletic Bilbao, unable to come back after conceding twice before halftime to Alex Berenguer before Mikel Oyarzabal grabbed a late consolation. Prior to that, Sociedad picked up hard fought back-to-back 0-0 draws away at Cadiz and at home to Champions League chasing Real Betis over the festive period.
Their best recent performance arguably came in an emphatic 3-0 away victory at Europa League contenders Villarreal courtesy of goals from Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Takefusa Kubo, dominating from start to finish. However, the manager will be concerned by his side’s lack of cutting edge since, failing to score in three of their last four league matches. Addressing this and rediscovering their creative flair will be essential during the second half of the campaign.
