Real Madrid vs Osasuna

Copa del Rey glory is up for the taking as Real Madrid and Osasuna lock horns in the grand final at the Estadio de La Cartuja.

Real Madrid’s reserve-filled line-up slumped to a 1-0 loss at Real Sociedad in midweek La Liga action, halting the club’s faint hopes of defending the league title. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men can still avoid a trophyless season by lifting their first Copa del Rey crown since 2013/14. Despite suffering two defeats in their three domestic outings in the lead-up to this title decider (W1), ‘Los Merengues’ head into proceedings as odds-on favorites to reach the podium after going unbeaten in their last 18 meetings with Osasuna in all competitions (W13, D5), including a 2-0 triumph in league action back in February. Madrid proved their Copa del Rey credentials with a jaw-dropping 4-1 aggregate win over Barcelona in the semi-finals despite losing the first leg on home turf.

On the other hand, Osasuna’s pursuit of their first major title saw them overcome seasonal campaigners Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals to set up their second-ever appearance in the Copa del Rey showpiece fixture. Their only previous attempt to win the title in 2004/05 came across Real Betis’ strong resilience as they fell to a 2-1 defeat in the grand final that season. Fast forward 18 years and Jagoba Arrasate’s men are looking to upset the odds despite losing back-to-back La Liga games ‘to nil’ in the build-up. However, that’s easier said than done, especially considering ‘Los Rojillos’ have lost all four Copa del Rey meetings with Real Madrid, including both in the 21st century by an identical 2-0 scoreline.