Copa del Rey Preview: Chiclana vs. Osasuna

On Wednesday, the Copa del Rey kicks off for Osasuna as they travel to face sixth-tier side Chiclana in a first-round tie. This match presents an intriguing clash between a team with a rich history in Spanish football and an underdog eager to make its mark in the prestigious tournament.

Match Preview

Chiclana enters this Copa del Rey matchup with aspirations of making history by advancing to the second round for the first time. Their previous attempt ended in disappointment when they faced Villarreal last season, suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat. Manuel Trigueros starred for Villarreal, scoring a hat-trick, while Jorge Pascual and Alex Baena added to Chiclana’s woes.

This season, however, Chiclana has shown resilience and determination. They successfully navigated the preliminary round with a convincing 4-0 victory over Melilla, where Josemi Caballero and Dani Guerrero each scored twice. Following this triumph, Chiclana has continued their strong form in the league, currently sitting second in Spain’s sixth tier after a recent 2-1 win against Ayamonte. With an unbeaten streak in their last few matches, they are poised to challenge Osasuna and potentially pull off a historic upset.

On the other hand, Osasuna arrives at this fixture with a solid track record in the Copa del Rey, having reached the round of 16 in four of the last five seasons. Last year, they made a remarkable run to the final, only to fall short against Real Madrid. Their journey in the previous edition began in the round of 32, where they needed extra time to overcome Castellon, eventually losing to Real Sociedad in the next round.

Currently, Osasuna is enjoying a strong start to their La Liga campaign, sitting comfortably in the mid-table with 18 points from 11 matches. Their recent performances include a thrilling 4-2 victory over Barcelona and a 2-0 win against Real Sociedad, showcasing their attacking prowess. With a squad brimming with talent, they aim to start their Copa del Rey journey with a commanding performance against Chiclana.

Team News

Chiclana is likely to field an unchanged lineup from their recent victory over Ayamonte. Adrian Pascual, who scored in the preliminary round, will be vying for a starting spot alongside Dani Guerrero in attack. Sergio Alba, who also found the net in their last match, is expected to retain his position on the wing.

For Osasuna, manager Vicente Moreno may opt for a rotation strategy, resting key players following their recent La Liga match. The likes of Jon Moncayola, Bryan Zaragoza, and Ante Budimir could be given a breather, paving the way for younger talents to shine. Iker Munoz and Pablo Ibanez will be looking to impress in midfield, while Raul Garcia is set to lead the line in Budimir’s absence.

Possible Lineups

Chiclana’s Possible Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: F. Sanchez
• Defenders: R. Sanchez, Leon, Pecci, Benitez
• Midfielders: Alba, Ramos, Caballero, Tocino
• Forwards: Guerrero, Pascual

Osasuna’s Possible Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Herrera
• Defenders: Vidal, Herrando, Garcia, Bretones
• Midfielders: Oroz, Ibanez, Munoz
• Forwards: Gomez, Garcia, Benito

Prediction

Given the disparity in experience and quality between the two sides, Osasuna is favored to win this encounter. Despite potential rotations in their lineup, the La Liga side possesses enough depth and talent to secure a comfortable victory. Our prediction is a 3-0 win for Osasuna, as they look to advance to the second round of the Copa del Rey without any hiccups.

As Chiclana prepares to face a formidable opponent, they will undoubtedly be motivated to showcase their skills and make a statement in this prestigious tournament. However, the challenge ahead is steep, and Osasuna’s ambition to progress further in the Copa del Rey remains a significant hurdle for the underdogs.