Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Match Preview
A blistering Basque Derby lights up the Reale Arena on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, as Real Sociedad host Osasuna in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. The Txuri-Urdin enter the clash with renewed confidence after snatching a vital 2–1 away victory over Getafe on Saturday, a result that finally lifted some gloom from their difficult league campaign. Osasuna, conversely, arrive in San Sebastian looking to bounce back from a tight 0–1 defeat to Girona. With Real Sociedad having dominated this fixture recently—winning the last four meetings across all competitions, including a 3–1 win in November—Imanol Alguacil’s side will be favorites to book their place in the quarter-finals. However, cup derbies are rarely straightforward.
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Match Info
- Competition: Copa del Rey (Round of 16)
- Venue: Reale Arena, San Sebastian (Capacity: 40,000)
- Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
- Kickoff: 21:00 CET | 20:00 GMT | 15:00 ET
- Referee: TBC (RFEF Appointment)
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Match Stakes
Real Sociedad:
- Win → Advances to the Quarter-finals; keeps hopes of silverware alive in a season where league form has been poor.
- Loss → Elimination; a major blow to fan morale given it’s a derby at home.
Osasuna:
- Win → Advances to the Quarter-finals; exacts revenge for the 1–3 home loss in November.
- Loss → Exit from the cup; focus returns solely to stabilizing their mid-table league position.
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Team News
Real Sociedad:
- Herrera Y. — Out (Calf Injury)
- Ruperez I. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Turrientes B. — Questionable (Injury)
- Rotation: With a short turnaround from the Getafe win, Alguacil may rotate slightly, potentially starting Sheraldo Becker or Umar Sadiq to freshen up the attack.
- Key Return: Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal are expected to feature heavily as the club prioritizes the cup run.
Osasuna:
- Benito I. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Lineup: Vicente Moreno will likely field a strong XI. Ante Budimir remains the focal point, while the exciting Bryan Zaragoza will be the main outlet on the counter-attack.
- Cup GK: Sergio Herrera or Aitor Fernandez often rotate for cup ties; expect changes in goal.
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Real Sociedad
- 10/01 — 2–1 vs Getafe (La Liga)
- 05/01 — 1–1 vs Atl. Madrid (La Liga)
- 20/12 — 1–1 vs Levante (La Liga)
- 17/12 — 2–1 vs Eldense (Copa del Rey)
- 13/12 — 1–2 vs Girona (La Liga)
Osasuna
- 10/01 — 0–1 vs Girona (La Liga)
- 03/01 — 1–1 vs Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)
- 20/12 — 3–0 vs Alavés (La Liga)
- 17/12 — 4–2 vs Huesca (Copa del Rey)
- 13/12 — 0–2 vs Barcelona (La Liga)
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 22/11/2025 — Osasuna 1–3 Real Sociedad (La Liga)
- 09/10/2025 — Real Sociedad 2–0 Osasuna (Friendly)
- 30/07/2025 — Real Sociedad 4–1 Osasuna (Friendly)
- 07/02/2025 — Real Sociedad 2–0 Osasuna (Copa del Rey)
- 02/02/2025 — Osasuna 2–1 Real Sociedad (La Liga)
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Real Sociedad (4-3-3)
Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, J. Lopez; Zubimendi, Sucic, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Becker
Osasuna (4-2-3-1)
A. Fernandez; Areso, Catena, Boyomo, Bretones; Torro, Moncayola; Ruben Garcia, Oroz, Zaragoza; Budimir
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Impact Bench
Real Sociedad: Barrenetxea (Dribbling), Sadiq (Goal threat), Oskarsson (Striker)
Osasuna: Raul Garcia (Physicality), Moi Gomez (Control)
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Tactical Analysis
Real Sociedad
At the Reale Arena, Real Sociedad will look to monopolize possession. Their midfield trio of Zubimendi, Sucic, and Mendez is technically superior to Osasuna’s engine room. They will aim to overload the right flank with Takefusa Kubo cutting inside, looking to exploit Osasuna’s left-back. The recent 2–1 win vs Getafe showed they are rediscovering their scoring touch.
Osasuna
Osasuna thrive as underdogs. They will set up in a compact mid-block and try to disrupt Real’s rhythm with physical challenges. Their main weapon is the transition speed of Bryan Zaragoza. If they can isolate him against Real’s full-backs, they can create chances for Ante Budimir in the box. Set-pieces will also be crucial, as Osasuna are historically strong in the air.
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Key Battles
- Zubeldia vs Budimir — The aerial duel; if Budimir dominates, Osasuna have a chance.
- Kubo vs Bretones — Real’s magician vs Osasuna’s defender; a potential mismatch.
- Zubimendi vs Oroz — The battle for the space between the lines.
- Remiro vs Zaragoza — GK must be alert to long shots and 1v1s.
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Spotlight Players
Real Sociedad — Takefusa Kubo
The Japanese star loves this fixture. His agility and vision are the keys to unlocking Osasuna’s disciplined defense. Expect him to be the most dangerous player on the pitch.
Osasuna — Bryan Zaragoza
Electric pace. On his day, he is unplayable. In a cup tie where spaces might open up late on, Zaragoza is Osasuna’s “X-Factor” to snatch a result.
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Prediction
Real Sociedad 2–0 Osasuna
Real Sociedad have Osasuna’s number recently (won last 4 meetings). With home advantage and momentum from the weekend victory, they should have too much quality for their neighbors. Osasuna will fight, but Real’s dominance in possession and H2H superiority points to a comfortable home win.
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Betting Insights
- Real Sociedad to Win — High Probability.
- Under 2.5 Goals — Possible (Cup ties can be cagey).
- Real Sociedad Clean Sheet — Likely.
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — Where to Watch
- Spain: Movistar+ / RTVE
- USA: ESPN+
- UK: Premier Sports
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna — FAQs
Q: When is the Real Sociedad vs Osasuna match?
A: The match kicks off on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at 21:00 CET.
Q: Is this a knockout game?
A: Yes, it is the Round of 16 (single leg). The winner advances to the Quarter-finals.
Q: Who won the last meeting?
A: Real Sociedad won 3–1 away at Osasuna in November 2025.
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