In the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, two surprising results left fans stunned as defending champions Athletic Bilbao were eliminated and Real Sociedad advanced to the quarterfinals. Athletic Bilbao, the reigning champions of the tournament, faced a shocking defeat at home against Osasuna, losing 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. The match was held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, and saw Osasuna produce an impressive performance that secured their spot in the next round.
Osasuna took the lead in the 40th minute through a goal from Aimar Oroz, and just minutes later, in the 44th minute, Ante Budimir doubled the advantage. Athletic Bilbao fought back and managed to reduce the deficit through Nico Williams in the third minute of injury time in the first half. The second half saw a more balanced game, with Oscar de Marcos bringing the match level in the 55th minute. However, Budimir sealed the win for Osasuna, scoring his second and the team's third goal in the 70th minute, ultimately knocking out the defending champions from the competition.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad secured a well-deserved 3-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano in their home match. Sociedad's strong performance saw them take the lead in the 23rd minute, courtesy of Mikel Oyarzabal. Just before the halftime break, in the first minute of injury time, Jon Ander Olasagasti added a second goal for the home side. In the second half, Rayo Vallecano managed to pull one back when Oscar Trejo converted a penalty in the 51st minute. However, the two-goal cushion was restored by Sergio Martin, who scored Real Sociedad's third goal in the 79th minute, ensuring a comfortable victory for his team.
The Round of 16 matches in the Copa del Rey showcased some thrilling football, with unexpected results and dramatic moments that captivated fans. Osasuna’s victory over Athletic Bilbao was a major upset, and their advancement to the quarterfinals marks a significant achievement for the club. On the other hand, Real Sociedad's strong performance against Rayo Vallecano demonstrated their intent to go deep into the tournament this season.
As the Copa del Rey continues, the excitement will undoubtedly grow as more top teams compete for the prestigious trophy. Both Osasuna and Real Sociedad will now look forward to the next round, hoping to continue their successful campaigns and challenge for the title.
Bine