Osasuna tops Basque Cup with Catena’s hat-trick as Real Sociedad struggles in friendly
Osasuna’s pre-season form shone again as they defeated Real Sociedad 3-1 in a Basque Cup 2023 friendly played on a Friday evening. The result reinforced Jagoba Arrasate’s side as one of the early front-runners in preparation, signaling strong confidence ahead of competitive fixtures this summer.
From the opening minutes, Catena took command of the match by exploiting set-piece chances and striking the Real Sociedad defense with precision. The wing-back or full-back figure found himself in promising positions and opened the scoring with a crisp finish that left the goalkeeper with little chance. His early contribution set the tone for Osasuna’s approach, and the Navarrese side carried that momentum into the first 45 minutes.
Catena would not stop there. He added two more goals before the break, completing a first-half hat-trick that showcased his aerial ability and clinical finishing inside the box. The trio of goals not only gave Osasuna a comfortable lead at halftime but also underscored the team’s growing chemistry and willingness to exploit every chance that came their way.
Real Sociedad, in response, managed to pull a goal back to narrow the gap. The goal came from a coordinated buildup that finally found its mark, momentarily shaking the Osasuna defense. Yet the visitors could not sustain the push to overturn the deficit, and Osasuna extended their advantage after the break with continued solid organization and pressure in the final third.
On the Osasuna side, the goal from Ali Cho for Real Sociedad did help briefly restore parity in the scoreboard, but it could not reverse the flow of the match. Cho’s strike was a reminder of the quality at the txuri-urdin camp, yet the overall performance did not hinge on a single moment; Osasuna controlled the tempo and continued to press for additional opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.
The friendly served as a useful barometer for both teams. Osasuna used the match to test their lines in a competitive environment, sharpen set-piece routines, and build confidence in Catena’s ability to affect games from wide or central roles. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, took valuable lessons from a match that highlighted execution in the box and the need to maintain concentration when opponents press in transitions.
Looking ahead, Osasuna are scheduled to meet Girondins Bordeaux next, a test of endurance and tactical depth as the squad continues to adapt under Arrasate. Real Sociedad, fresh from this Basque Cup encounter, will turn their attention to a clash with Sporting de Portugal, seeking to refine their approach and identify solutions in the final third.
The live recap of the Basque Cup clash between Real Sociedad and Osasuna offered a concise view of the action: Catena’s early, second-half, and late moments kept the mood tense for Real Sociedad, while Osasuna capped their performance with a dominant display in the lead-up to the break. The dynamic sequence of goals underscored a game that moved quickly from whistle to whistle, with each side testing the other’s defenses and keeping the crowd engaged throughout the match.
Catena’s surge of goals dominated the highlight reel, starting with the central defender anticipating the play inside the penalty area and finishing with a calm edge that suggested he was comfortable in front of goal. His first touch, his timing, and the calm finished under pressure were the standout elements of the day for Osasuna. The celebration that followed reflected a moment of collective understanding within the squad as they looked to maximize opportunities when they presented themselves.
Several tactical snapshots emerged from the game. Osasuna appeared agile with their build-up, mixing quick, vertical passes with measured possession to pull the Real Sociedad defense out of shape. The pressing intensity in transition earned the visitors a number of turnovers, giving Osasuna chances to threaten the goal repeatedly. In response, Real Sociedad showed resilience, balancing their defensive shape with attempts to unlock the opponent’s back line through smart runs and patient buildup play.
As the match moved into the second half, both teams tested their depth by rotating players, offering younger prospects a chance to impress and understand the team’s broader tactical framework. The atmosphere remained competitive, with fans enjoying a display that blended practical pre-season work with moments of genuine quality in front of goal.
In summary, the Basque Cup friendly produced a clear message: Osasuna arrived in good form, with Catena delivering an eye-catching performance that set a high bar for the rest of the squad this preseason. Real Sociedad took away actionable lessons about maintaining pressure in offensive phases and sharpening their finishing when opportunities arise in crowded box scenarios. Both teams left the field with plenty to build on as they move toward upcoming fixtures in preseason schedules that are beginning to take shape across the country and beyond.
Enjoy the match highlights, the tactical observations, and the evolving storylines of both sides as they prepare for the next rounds of warm-up fixtures and ultimately for the competitive season ahead.
Note: This recap reflects the event as reported in contemporary match summaries and the observed on-field actions. The focus remains on accurate portrayal of the play, goals, and key moments from the Basque Cup 2023 friendly between Osasuna and Real Sociedad.