The Basque derby unfolds in the cathedral of San Mames as a place in the cup final is up for grabs after the 1-0 first leg result.
An exciting night awaits this tuesday at the football temple, the Nuevo San Mamés, for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi finals. Athletic Bilbao hosts Osasuna in a Basque derby where the rojiblancos aim to turn the tie in front of their fans, seeking to overturn the one goal deficit after Osasuna asserted a 1-0 lead in the first leg.
Keep up with everything about Athletic Bilbao vs. Osasuna in the Copa del Rey by staying with this coverage.
Before kickoff, coach Ernesto Valverde shows no doubt about his starting eleven. In goal, with Unai Simon back, the coach could once again trust the young Julen Agirrezabala whose performances have been impressive. In defense, Yuri Berchiche and Oscar de Marcos are the regulars on the flanks, while Iñigo Martinez will marshal the line from the back, likely joined by Yeray Alvarez. Dani Vivian also remains an option in the squad.
Valverde relies on his core
In midfield, everything points to Valverde building strength with Mikel Vesga and Dani Garcia protecting the defense while Oihan Sancet operates in the middle of the park. Nico Williams could take a position on one wing and his brother Iñaki Williams will lead the attack. The left side remains a question, with Álex Berenguer favored to start though Iker Muniain, the rojiblanco captain, is pushing hard for involvement given his motivation for the clash. Ander Herrera, Iñigo Lekue and Jon Morcillo are sidelined by injury.
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Osasuna, resist
On the other side, Osasuna, coached by Jagoba Arrasate, tries to defend the slender lead and reach a second Copa del Rey final in the club’s history. The rojillos will lean on the familiar spine of Nacho Vidal, Aridane Hernandez, David Garcia and Juan Cruz to anchor from the back. Sergio Herrera is favored to start in goal as he continues to lead from the goal line.
In midfield and attack, Arrasate faces selection doubts. The Chimy Avila is reported to be uncomfortable, while Lucas Torró and Abde Ez may be carrying heavy workloads. If Avila cannot feature, Arrasate could turn to Aimar Oroz, Rubén García or Kike Garcia as starters. Otherwise, Moi Gomez and Jon Moncayola should be alongside Rubén Garcia and Chimy Avila in the lineup, while Ruben Perez remains injured. Osasuna’s enthusiasm stays high, but the test in the Basque derby will be tough if they want to reach the final.
Upcoming updates will show how the teams align as the match approaches, offering the latest news from the ground.
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LINEUPS OF ATHLETIC BILBAO VS. OSASUNA
Athletic Bilbao (1-4-2-3-1): Agirrezabala / Unai Simon; De Marcos, Yeray Alvarez, Inigo Martinez, Yuri; Dani Garcia, Mikel Vesga; Nico Williams, Sancet, Berenguer or Muniain; Inaki Williams
Osasuna (1-4-3-3): Sergio Herrera; Nacho Vidal, Aridane, David Garcia, Juan Cruz; Lucas Torro, Aimar Oroz, Moncayola; Abde, Budimir, Ruben Garcia or Chimy Avila
WHEN AND WHERE IS ATHLETIC BILBAO VS. OSASUNA
THE CALLS FOR ATHLETIC BILBAO VS. OSASUNA
Right now, the final call-ups for both sides have not been released yet.