Athletic Club Vs Osasuna

Athletic Bilbao, the reigning Copa del Rey champions, are set to continue their title defense when they host Osasuna at San Mames on Wednesday for a highly anticipated Copa del Rey clash. The match marks another chapter in Bilbao's quest to retain their coveted trophy, having navigated a tense penalty shootout to advance past Logrones in the previous round, while Osasuna earned their spot in the last 16 with a hard-fought victory over Tenerife.

Athletic Bilbao, often referred to as Los Leones (The Lions), are entering this season's Copa del Rey with the prestige of being the holders of the competition for the first time in four decades. The team's victory in the previous year's Copa del Rey final in Seville, which saw them triumph over Mallorca in a dramatic penalty shootout, secured their place as the champions. For Athletic Bilbao, the defense of this title holds significant importance, as it represents a chance to cement their legacy and continue their proud tradition in Spanish football.

Their victory in last year's Copa del Rey was achieved in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regular and extra time against Mallorca. While the result in the final was nothing short of exhilarating, the team's journey in the current season's competition has mirrored the intensity and unpredictability of their previous triumph. Athletic's opening match of the tournament against fourth-tier Logrones was a tight affair, with neither side able to break the deadlock in 120 minutes of play. Despite the frustration of being unable to score, the team's resilience showed through as they converted four of their five penalties in the ensuing shootout, securing a 4-2 win. This victory was vital for the club, as it kept alive their aspirations of winning back-to-back Copa del Rey trophies, a feat they have not achieved since 1956.

Athletic Bilbao's manager, Ernesto Valverde, will undoubtedly be hoping to guide his team to further success in this competition, especially after a setback in the Spanish Super Cup. In their quest for a second consecutive piece of silverware, Athletic were handed a disappointing 2-0 defeat by Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Super Cup, which ended their remarkable 15-match unbeaten streak. Nevertheless, the team is in strong form domestically, with an impressive record at San Mames. Having gone unbeaten in their last ten matches at home in all competitions (with eight wins and two draws), including a perfect four-game streak, the atmosphere in Bilbao is one of optimism and confidence. The club will be looking to use their home advantage to continue their solid form as they aim for yet another Copa del Rey triumph.

Further bolstering Athletic Bilbao's confidence is their recent 2-1 away victory over Osasuna in La Liga. In that match, Athletic fought back from a goal down to secure the three points, thanks to a brace of goals from Gorka Guruzeta and Alex Berenguer. This victory not only provided a valuable three points in the league but also served as a reminder of the club's ability to overcome adversity and secure crucial wins. The upcoming Copa del Rey encounter will provide a further opportunity for Los Leones to extend their dominance over their regional rivals.

On the other hand, Osasuna, also known as Los Rojillos (The Red Ones), are aiming to claim their first-ever Copa del Rey title, a prestigious honor that has eluded the club despite their best efforts. Over the years, Osasuna has become known for their resilience and determination, but they have twice fallen at the final hurdle in the competition. In the 2004-05 Copa del Rey final, they were defeated by Real Betis after extra time in a heartbreaking loss. More recently, Osasuna reached the final in the 2022-23 season, where they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Real Madrid, having taken the lead in the match. These near-misses have left the club’s loyal supporters eager for their first major trophy, and manager Vicente Moreno is fully aware of the weight of expectation that comes with leading the club in this competition.

Under Moreno's guidance, Osasuna has already shown promise in the current Copa del Rey campaign. The team began their journey with a resounding 5-0 victory over Chiclana in the opening round, a result that sent a strong message to their opponents. However, Osasuna's path to the last 16 has not been without its challenges. In the second round, the team found themselves in a precarious position, trailing 2-0 to third-tier side Ceuta. Yet, in a show of character, they mounted a stunning comeback, securing a 3-2 win to progress to the next stage. In their most recent cup fixture, Osasuna claimed a narrow 2-1 victory over Tenerife, advancing with grit and determination.

Despite their strong cup performances, Osasuna's league form has been less than stellar. In their most recent outing in La Liga, they were defeated 1-0 by Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium. The loss left the team in 11th place, five points adrift of the top six, and further highlighted the challenges they face in maintaining consistent form across both domestic and cup competitions. However, this defeat has not dampened the team's spirits as they prepare for their upcoming Copa del Rey clash against Athletic Bilbao, a fixture that presents a tough challenge but also an opportunity for redemption.

The challenge of facing Athletic Bilbao at San Mames is a daunting one for Osasuna. The team will be hoping to build on their recent performances and secure a long-awaited victory at one of Spain's most iconic stadiums. Their last win at San Mames came in February 2020, and Osasuna will be determined to end their winless streak in Bilbao, where they will face one of the toughest teams in Spanish football.

Osasuna's manager, Vicente Moreno, will need to ensure his team is fully prepared for the intensity of the match, particularly given Athletic's strong home form and recent cup history. While Osasuna’s cup run has been impressive, they know that defeating the defending champions on their home turf will require a monumental effort. The team will need to be at their very best to overcome Athletic's attacking prowess and maintain their defensive solidity. For Osasuna, this match presents a chance to make history and finally lift the Copa del Rey, but they will have to navigate a tough challenge in front of an expectant home crowd.

As the two teams prepare to clash in what promises to be an intense and thrilling encounter, the outcome will have significant implications for both sides. For Athletic Bilbao, the match represents another step toward their goal of back-to-back Copa del Rey titles, while for Osasuna, it is a chance to rewrite the club’s history and claim the elusive trophy that has long been the subject of their dreams. With both teams eager to progress in the competition, Wednesday's match at San Mames promises to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments in the heart of Spain.