Soccer Spain LaLiga Prediction

Osasuna vs Real Sociedad - Match Preview

⚽ 28 April 2023 - 19:00 GMT +0

When they step out onto La Cartuja for their Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid in early May, Osasuna could very well know if that remains their only path to continental football next season. Two prior La Liga (LL) fixtures against Real Sociedad (home) and Barcelona (away) are sure to test whether they truly belong amongst Spain’s contenders for European competition, especially as defeats in both could make qualifying via the league tremendously difficult.

That’s not to mention also hosting Athletic Club and Girona later in the season, which could be potentially cut-throat games themselves! Yet, after a breakthrough 3-2 win against Betis in their last LL home start, Osasuna will be hoping they’ve finally unlocked the formula required to conquer the league’s better clubs after previously failing to defeat any team starting this round above them in the standings (D2, L7).

Sociedad have a similar issue that threatens to deny them the fourth place they currently hold and the Champions League campaign that comes with it. They failed to beat Betis for a second time this LL season last round (D1, L1), and still have to take on each of the league’s top-three clubs on the run home, all of whom they’re also yet to win against (D2, L1).

Whilst they were successful in the reverse H2H on New Year’s Eve (2-0), the visitors are going to have to break new ground to complete the double here, having not yet scored this LL season away to any club starting this round in the top-eight (D2, L2). However, given the team that scored first has recorded 13 wins across Sociedad’s 16 LL away fixtures this season, success could be as simple as netting the opener!

📋 Players to watch: After collecting his second goal of the LL season two appearances ago, Osasuna winger Moi Gómez will be hoping to end a run of 12 competitive H2Hs without a goal! A positive start for Sociedad could come via Takefusa Kubo, who has scored within the opening hour in five LL matches this season.

⚡ Hot streak: Sociedad have never lost to Osasuna in any competition during Imanol Algaucil’s tenure (W6, D2).