Real Madrid vs. Osasuna: Preview and betting tips

After nine years, Real Madrid are back in the Copa del Rey finals against Osasuna, who have reached the Spanish Cup final for the second time in their history. The match is played on Saturday at 10pm, what to bet on?

It was 2014 and Carlo Ancelotti was sitting on the bench of Real Madrid. The Italian coach had led Los Blancos to the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals. In the Spanish Cup final, Real beat Barcelona thanks to a memorable solo effort from Gareth Bale.

But after that, he struggled in the Copa del Rey. He was successively eliminated by Atlético Madrid, Cadiz (disqualification), Celta Vigo, Leganés, Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Alcoyane and Athletic Bilbao.

This year, along the way, Los Blancos knocked out Cacereño, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. It hasn’t been a walk in the park.

With the Yellow Submarine, Real were 0:2 down at half-time and Csaplár’s trap failed, while Rodrygo equalised with Atlético in the last minutes to send the game into extra time. With Barcelona, Real lost the first leg 0:1 at home, but in the rematch they crushed their rivals 4:0.

However, Osasuna’s journey was even longer and more thorny. In the first round they eliminated Fuentes after a 4:1 win, in the second round Arnedo 3:1. The last non-league opponent was Gimnastic, Osasuna won 2: 1.

After that, it was the turn of the defending champions Betis. Verdiblancos were ahead, Osasuna equalised in the 91st minute. In extra time, Betis regained the lead, but Osasuna equalised again and went through on penalties. In the semi-final, the Rojillos faced another team from Seville, this time it was the Rojiblancos who equalised in the 94th minute.

However, Osasuna scored a second goal in extra time to advance past Sevilla. In the semi-final they faced cup specialist Athletic Bilbao and the favourite was clear.

However, Osasuna shocked the home side with a 1-0 win and Athletic went 1-0 up in the return leg and looked set to secure promotion. But as the game headed to penalties, Ibanez scored with a beautiful volley in the 116th minute to send the Pamplona side through to the final.

And what to bet on? Osasuna are relying on a very solid defence. Moreover, Real Madrid does not really excel in solid defence. Los Blancos can be expected to conquer the solid block of the opponent, who will focus on quick counterattacks. Not many goals should be scored.

Source: Copa del Rey