Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao Face Semi-Final Drama at Sadar
Opening this Wednesday, a historic vineyard welcomes a clash between CA Osasuna and Athletic Club, as two clubs from the same region meet in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. The first leg intensifies the rivalry with a pair of classic derbies, all set within a month of the competition’s April 4 conclusion in San Mamés.
The two teams have traded blows in other competitions, each time delivering memorable moments and earning Bilbao a place in the next round. The Copa del Rey semi-final first leg now stands as the central hope for a group of players whose fans will rally behind them on a night steeped in history.
The Navarrese side advances to the Cup semi-finals after 18 years, riding high on the momentum from its recent league win in Seville, a victory that snapped a five-match winless run. The road to this date has not been easy. After beating Fuentes, Arnedo, and Nastic, Jagoba Arrasate’s squad faced Betis, who had overcome penalties at Benito Villamarín, and Sevilla, who were defeated in extra time in a packed Sadar on the way to the quarterfinals in a dramatic finish.
“We want to play the final”
The Osasuna camp is buoyant. Jagoba Arrasate speaks about the team’s readiness, noting that the squad has already played similar matches this season and is in good spirits after the latest win. The aim is clear: to reach the final by delivering two strong performances. The call to arms is simple for the rojillos: push, defend, and seize every opportunity that comes their way.
Earlier, Osasuna released an enthusiastic message inviting supporters to back the team in Pamplona, underscoring the atmosphere around a match that could define the season. The club’s supporters are expected to fill Sadar, with thousands more watching the draw live and preparing to lift the squad through what could be a pivotal moment in their campaign.
On the Athletic Bilbao side, the coach reflects on last year’s performance, where Bilbao enjoyed the upper hand in the first half and justified a more balanced second half. He notes that the team did not show its full potential in the three recent clashes, suggesting there is room for improvement as the semi-final unfolds.
The mood in Pamplona remains electric after Osasuna’s endurance test at Sánchez-Pizjuán, where Sevilla twice equalised before Abde clinched a 2-3 victory for Osasuna. The victory reinforced a dynamic, vertical style that the team hopes to bring to the semi-final. The core group that started the season in good form will be complemented by players available to return in top condition for this crucial tie.
Key players who rested in the lead-up to the match are set to return refreshed. Players such as Torró, Chimy Ávila, Abde, Moi Gómez, and Budimir are all likely to feature, providing a blend of experience and attacking flair that could unsettle Athletic’s defense.
Since 2005
The last Cup semi-final for Osasuna came in 2005, when the rojillos faced Atlético de Madrid after removing Sevilla in the earlier rounds. Valdo’s goal gave Pamplona a 1-0 advantage in the first leg, while the return at Vicente Calderón finished 0-0. The run ended in the quarterfinals against Betis, marking a long wait for another semi-final appearance and a renewed sense of purpose within the squad.
Fans expect big headlines again, and many believe the squad can rise to the occasion with a show of solidarity that translates into performance on the pitch. The Sadar aims to deliver a memorable night, as tickets were snapped up quickly and a large audience is anticipated to witness a key moment in the campaign.
An Injured Athletic
The upcoming match arrives amid concerns for Athletic, who arrive with notable fitness challenges after a recent setback at San Mamés where Girona claimed victory with two own goals and multiple injuries. The Biscayan side has to manage a battered lineup while looking to extract a strong result in Pamplona.
The squad faces the challenge of assessing the condition of several players ahead of the tie. A knee sprain for Nico Williams had him initially ruled out, though there is cautious optimism about his recovery. Unai Simón faced a mid-season Achilles issue but was able to complete the first half. Yeray Álvarez continues to manage muscle discomfort, while Jon Morcillo left the field with a broken collarbone and Raúl García finished with a sprained shoulder. The coaching staff will decide on the best possible lineup after this afternoon’s practice, with the young duo Williams and Yeray among the standout performers this season alongside Unai Simón, who may not start in this leg as a new directive named Julen Agirrezabala as the starting keeper for the trophy game.
Inigo Martínez and Ander Herrera have shown progress in their recoveries from plantar fasciitis and other setbacks, but their participation in the semi-final remains contingent on final clearance. The decision on whether to risk their inclusion will be made with great care, given the high stakes of the tie. The plan is to balance risk with opportunity, ensuring Athletic can compete at the highest level while protecting long-term goals.
On the positive side, athletic closing news confirms the return of Dani Vivian, who had missed action due to suspension. This strengthens the squad’s options as they head into a demanding series of matches.
Possible lineups
Osasuna: Herrera; Moncayola, Unai García, David García, Manu Sánchez; body; Chimy Ávila, Aimar, Moi Gómez, Kike Barja; Budimir.
Bilbao: Agirrezabala; Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Paredes; Dani García, Vesga; Berenguer, Sancet, Munoz; Iñaki Williams.
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano
Stadium: Sadar
Kickoff: 21:00
Strategic emphasis: Psychological edge.
Data: Best possible lineup since the Sadar renovation.
Highlighted quote: “We want to play the final,” said Jagoba Arrasate.