Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao: Prediction, Team News, Lineups
Athletic Bilbao will face Ourense CF in a Copa del Rey matchup at Estadio de O Couto. This encounter is set for Thursday and is significant, as both teams vie for a spot in the round of 16. It marks their first ever competitive meeting.
Match Preview: Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao
Ourense CF enters this match with a strong Copa del Rey history. They have eliminated La Liga teams such as Real Oviedo and Girona this season, showcasing their giant-killing ability. Ourense achieved a remarkable 4-2 victory over Oviedo in extra time and then secured a 2-1 win against Girona, thanks to Omar Ouhdadi’s decisive goal.
This will be the second consecutive season in which Ourense seeks to advance past the round of 16. Last year, they achieved this after defeating Deportivo La Coruna and Real Valladolid. However, the current form of Ourense is concerning. They recently ended a nine-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, losing 3-2 to Merida AD and drawing 2-2 with Barakaldo after squandering a two-goal lead. These results have left them positioned 14th in the Primera Federacion Group A.
- Last 6 matches: 1 Win, 1 Draw, 4 Losses
- Recent Copa del Rey successes against La Liga teams
- Conceded 9 goals in last 4 games
Athletic Bilbao’s Current Struggles
Athletic Bilbao arrives in Ourense after a disappointing outing, failing to score in six of their last nine matches. Their most recent loss was a 2-0 defeat against Celta Vigo, placing them just outside the La Liga top six. The team has experienced inconsistency, with only three wins in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Even more concerning for Bilbao is their away form, which has seen just one victory in ten matches. They are the second most successful team in Copa del Rey history and are keen on capturing their 25th title in this season’s campaign.
- Recent form: 3 Wins, 2 Draws, 6 Losses in the last 11 matches
- Last Copa del Rey season: Exited in the round of 16
Team News: Key Players and Injuries
For Ourense, there are no confirmed absentees. However, striker Juan Piera remains a doubt after missing the last two matches. Goalkeeper Alberto Sanchez may return, allowing first-choice Alvaro Raton some rest. Midfielder Alvaro Yuste is in good form, with two goals in his last three appearances.
Athletic Bilbao faces several injury challenges. Defender Yuri Berchiche is the latest to join the treatment list. Unai Egiluz and Benat Prados are out due to long-term injuries, while Aymeric Laporte is questionable due to a muscle issue. Inaki Williams might start his first match in over two months after recovering from a groin injury.
Possible Lineups
| Ourense CF | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|
| Raton; Prado, Carmona, Perez, Sanz; Ramos, Yuste, Castillo; Ouhdadi, Bouzaig, Guerrero | Padilla; Boiro, Paredes, Vivian, Gorosabel; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta |
Prediction: Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao
In a close contest, Athletic Bilbao is favored to win 2-1. Although both teams have had recent struggles, Bilbao’s experience may give them the edge in this Copa del Rey showdown. Ourense, with its formidable home performance against top-flight teams, will be eager to challenge the Lions.
