Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Match Preview
Copa del Rey magic returns to Estadio de O Couto on Thursday, 18 December 2025. Third-tier giant-killers Ourense CF welcome the “Kings of the Cup,” Athletic Bilbao, to Galicia for a massive Round of 32 clash. Ourense sent shockwaves through Spanish football in the previous round by eliminating Girona (2–1) and will firmly believe they can claim another La Liga scalp.1 Athletic Bilbao, fresh off a grueling week involving PSG in the Champions League and a painful derby loss to Celta Vigo, must be wary of a trap against a highly motivated, well-rested opponent.
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Match Info
- Competition: Copa del Rey (Round of 32)
- Venue: Estadio de O Couto, Ourense (Capacity: 5,600)2
- Date: Thursday, 18 December 2025
- Kickoff: 21:00 CET | 20:00 GMT | 15:00 ET
- Referee: TBC (RFEF Appointment)
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Match Stakes
Ourense CF (Primera Federación):
- Win → A historic achievement; consecutive La Liga scalps and a place in the Last 16
- Draw → Forces Extra Time (and potentially penalties); keeps the dream alive
- Loss → Exit with heads held high after a memorable cup run
Athletic Bilbao (La Liga):
- Win → Avoids a crisis; bounces back from the Celta defeat and advances in their favorite tournament
- Draw → A nervous 120-minute slog they cannot afford given the busy schedule
- Loss → A disaster; elimination by a 3rd-tier side would spark severe backlash
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Team News
Ourense CF:
- Full strength expected. The manager rested key players in the 2–2 draw vs Barakaldo.
- Marques (Scorer vs Girona) — Available and expected to start.
- No major suspensions or injuries.
Athletic Bilbao:
- Heavy rotation expected due to playing Sunday (vs Celta) and Thursday.
- Agirrezabala J. — Expected to start in goal (Copa keeper).
- Williams N. & Sancet O. — Likely rested or on the bench.
- Unai Simon — Rested.
- Berenguer A. — Likely to lead the attack.
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Ourense CF
- 13/12 — 2–2 vs Barakaldo (League)3
- 07/12 — 2–3 vs Merida AD (League)
- 04/12 — 2–1 vs Girona (Copa del Rey) (HUGE WIN)
- 29/11 — 4–3 vs Unionistas (League)
- 22/11 — 2–0 vs Arenteiro (League)
Athletic Bilbao
- 14/12 — 0–2 vs Celta Vigo (La Liga)
- 11/12 — 0–0 vs PSG (Champions League)
- 07/12 — 1–0 vs Atl. Madrid (La Liga)
- 03/12 — 0–3 vs Real Madrid (La Liga)
- 29/11 — 2–0 vs Levante (La Liga)
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Head-to-Head
- No previous competitive meetings found.
- This is the first-ever official match between Ourense CF and Athletic Bilbao.
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Ourense CF (5-4-1)
Marqueta; Andrada, Prado, Portela, Rodriguez, Hugo; Gil, Jerin, Fidalgo, Carbonell; Marques
Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1)
Agirrezabala; Gorosabel, Yeray, Paredes, Lekue; Vesga, Herrera; Berenguer, Unai Gomez, Djalo; Villalibre
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Impact Bench
Ourense CF: Amin (Physical presence), Di Renzo (Goal threat)
Athletic Bilbao: I. Williams (Pace), N. Williams (Emergency option), Guruzeta (Finisher)
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Tactical Analysis
Ourense CF
Playing at home, Ourense will replicate the game plan that beat Girona: a compact 5-man defense to frustrate Athletic, combined with aggressive pressing in midfield. They will target Athletic’s rotated full-backs with quick transitions down the flanks. The atmosphere at O Couto will be intense, and Ourense will look to turn the game into a physical battle.
Athletic Bilbao
Ernesto Valverde knows these ties are dangerous. Athletic will try to control possession but must play with high tempo. The key will be Alex Berenguer and Alvaro Djaló using their 1v1 ability to break down Ourense’s low block. Set-pieces will be crucial; Athletic’s aerial power (Yeray/Paredes) gives them a massive advantage on corners.
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Key Battles
- Portela vs Villalibre — The physical battle in the box; Villalibre loves the Copa (“The Buffalo”).
- Fidalgo vs Herrera — Youthful energy vs veteran experience in midfield.
- Andrada vs Djalo — Stopping the tricky winger is priority #1 for the hosts.
- Marqueta vs Berenguer — Ourense’s keeper will face plenty of shots.
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Spotlight Players
Ourense CF — Alberto Gil
The winger is the creative spark for the Galicians. His delivery from set-pieces caused chaos against Girona and will be Ourense’s best route to a goal.
Athletic Bilbao — Asier Villalibre
The “Buffalo” rarely starts in La Liga but is a Copa del Rey specialist. He needs goals to prove his worth, and his physical style suits a scrap at O Couto.
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Prediction
Ourense CF 1–2 Athletic Bilbao (AET)
Ourense have the momentum and the belief to push Athletic all the way. Athletic are tired and possibly demoralized after the Celta loss. Expect a very tight game that might go into Extra Time, where Athletic’s superior fitness and bench quality (bringing on the Williams brothers) should finally break the hosts’ resistance.
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — YES (Ourense score at home; Athletic rotation leaks goals).
- Athletic to Win — Value in Live Betting if 0-0 at halftime.
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely.
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — Where to Watch
- Spain: Movistar+, Copa del Rey TV
- International: ESPN+ (USA), Startimes (Africa)
Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao — FAQs
Q: When is the Ourense vs Athletic Bilbao match?
A: The match takes place on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at 21:00 CET.
Q: Where is the match being played?
A: It will be played at Estadio de O Couto in Ourense, Galicia.
Q: Did Ourense really beat Girona?
A: Yes, they defeated Girona 2–1 in the previous round on December 4th.4
Q: Will Nico Williams play?
A: He is likely to be rested initially but will be on the bench if needed.
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