Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction: Athletic Bilbao will defeat Ourense CF 2-1 in the Copa del Rey round of 16 match on Thursday, as the La Liga side’s superior quality and squad depth should overcome the third-tier team’s recent defensive struggles despite Ourense’s proven record of upsetting top-flight opponents in this season’s cup competition.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Copa del Rey – Round of 16 |
| Date | Thursday, December 19, 2024 |
| Venue | Estadio de O Couto, Ourense |
| Ourense CF League | Primera Federacion Group A (Third Tier) |
| Athletic Bilbao League | La Liga (Top Flight) |
| Head-to-Head | First competitive meeting |
Key Facts
- Ourense CF eliminated two La Liga teams this season: Real Oviedo (4-2) and Girona (2-1).
- Athletic Bilbao won the Copa del Rey title in 2023-24 and holds 24 total championships.
- The Lions have reached the round of 16 in seven consecutive Copa del Rey campaigns.
- Ourense CF sits 14th in Primera Federacion Group A after recent struggles.
- Athletic Bilbao failed to score in six of their last nine matches across all competitions.
- Ourense CF ended their nine-match unbeaten run with a 3-2 loss to Merida AD.
- Athletic Bilbao won only one of their last 10 away matches in all competitions.
- This marks the first competitive encounter between these two clubs.
On This Page
Match Preview
Athletic Bilbao travels to face third-tier Ourense CF in a Copa del Rey round of 16 encounter that promises intrigue.
The Basque giants begin their title defense against a side that has already proven their giant-killing credentials this season.
Ourense CF has built a reputation for troubling top-flight opposition. The Galician club knocked out Real Oviedo in extra time before defeating Girona 2-1 in the previous round.
Omar Ouhdadi scored the decisive goal against Girona after Alvaro Yuste’s opener was canceled out.
This continues a pattern from last season when Ourense eliminated Deportivo La Coruna and Real Valladolid to reach the same stage.
Manager Dani Llacer has watched his team’s form dip recently. Ourense surrendered a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw with Barakaldo last weekend, ending a six-match home winning streak.
The defensive solidity that produced five consecutive clean sheets has vanished, with nine goals conceded in the last four outings.
Athletic Bilbao arrives with their own concerns. Ernesto Valverde’s side lost 2-0 away to Celta Vigo in their most recent La Liga fixture.
The attacking struggles have become pronounced, with the Lions managing just three wins in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Their away form presents particular worry, with seven defeats in 10 road trips.
The Copa del Rey represents familiar territory for Athletic. The second most successful club in the competition’s history seeks a 25th title.
Last season’s round of 16 exit disappointed after their 2023-24 triumph, making this campaign an opportunity to reassert their dominance in Spain’s knockout tournament.
Predicted Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao Lineups and Formations
Ourense CF Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Alvaro Raton
Defense: Prado, Carmona, Perez, Sanz
Midfield: Ramos, Yuste, Castillo
Attack: Ouhdadi, Bouzaig, Guerrero
Alberto Sanchez could replace Raton between the posts, having featured in earlier Copa del Rey rounds.
Alvaro Yuste has moved into midfield with impressive results, scoring twice in his last three appearances.
His ability to arrive late in the box adds a dimension that Athletic must monitor.
Athletic Bilbao Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Alex Padilla
Defense: Boiro, Paredes, Vivian, Gorosabel
Midfield: Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar
Attack: Inaki Williams, Sancet, Nico Williams, Guruzeta
Valverde will rotate his squad with Alex Padilla replacing first-choice Unai Simon in goal.
Inaki Williams could make his first start in over two months after recovering from a groin injury.
The Ghana international’s return provides a significant boost to Athletic’s attacking options.
Injury Report
Ourense CF Injuries
Doubtful:
- Juan Piera (Striker) – Missed the last two matches, availability uncertain
Athletic Bilbao Injuries
Out:
- Yuri Berchiche (Defender) – Forced off in previous match
- Unai Egiluz (Midfielder) – Long-term knee injury
- Benat Prados (Midfielder) – Long-term knee injury
- Maroan Sannadi (Midfielder) – Knee-related issue
Doubtful:
- Aymeric Laporte (Defender) – Muscle problem
- Robert Navarro (Midfielder) – Ankle injury, expected to miss fifth consecutive match
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Yuri Berchiche’s absence weakens Athletic’s left flank. The experienced defender provides both defensive stability and attacking width.
His replacement must handle Ourense’s counter-attacking threat without his positional awareness.
Inaki Williams’ potential return changes Athletic’s dynamic. His pace and direct running stretch defenses, creating space for Nico Williams and Sancet.
After two months out, his match fitness remains questionable, but even a substitute appearance could prove decisive.
Aymeric Laporte’s muscle problem leaves Athletic vulnerable in central defense. The former Manchester City defender brings composure and distribution quality.
Without him, Athletic’s build-up play from the back loses sophistication.
Where to Watch Live?
Spain: Movistar+, M+ LALIGA TV
United States: ESPN Select, fuboTV, ESPN App
Portugal: Sport TV Multiscreen, Sport TV6
India: FanCode
Mexico: Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+, izzi
International: Bet365 (selected regions)
Additional broadcast options exist across Europe, South America, and Asia through various regional providers.
Tactical Analysis
Ourense CF employs a compact 4-2-3-1 formation that transitions quickly into attack.
The home side sits deep, absorbs pressure, then releases Ouhdadi and Bouzaig on the counter.
Their success against La Liga opposition stems from disciplined defensive shape and clinical finishing on the break.
Athletic Bilbao favors possession-based football with wide attackers providing width.
The Williams brothers stretch defenses horizontally while Sancet operates between the lines. Guruzeta’s hold-up play allows runners from midfield to arrive late.
However, recent struggles suggest opponents have decoded their patterns.
The tactical battle centers on space management. Ourense must compress the pitch, forcing Athletic wide where crosses become predictable.
Athletic needs quick ball circulation to prevent Ourense from settling into their defensive block. Set pieces could prove crucial given Athletic’s aerial advantage.
Key Players to Watch
Alvaro Yuste (Ourense CF): The midfielder’s goal threat from deep positions has surprised opponents. His timing on late runs into the box creates numerical advantages. Athletic’s midfield must track his movements or risk conceding from his trademark arrivals.
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao): The Spanish international’s pace terrorizes defenses. His ability to isolate full-backs in one-on-one situations creates goal-scoring opportunities. Ourense’s right-back faces a demanding evening containing his direct running and quick feet.
Omar Ouhdadi (Ourense CF): The match-winner against Girona possesses the quality to hurt Athletic. His movement off the ball and finishing ability make him dangerous in transition. Athletic’s high defensive line could expose them to his pace.
Stats and Head-to-Head Analysis
Recent Form
Ourense CF (Last 5 – All Competitions): W-W-W-L-D
Athletic Bilbao (Last 5 – All Competitions): D-W-L-W-L
Historical Context
This represents the first competitive meeting between these clubs. Ourense CF’s third-tier status means previous encounters never materialized.
However, Ourense’s Copa del Rey pedigree against top-flight opposition demands respect.
Last season, Ourense reached the round of 16 by defeating Deportivo La Coruna and Real Valladolid.
This season’s victories over Real Oviedo and Girona demonstrate consistent ability to rise for cup occasions.
Athletic Bilbao’s Copa del Rey record speaks volumes. Their 24 titles trail only Barcelona’s 31.
The competition holds special significance for the Basque club, with memorable finals and dramatic victories throughout their history.
Statistical Breakdown
Ourense CF Home Record (Copa del Rey): Strong, with six consecutive home wins before the recent draw
Athletic Bilbao Away Record (Recent): Poor, with one win in 10 away matches
Goals Scored (Ourense CF – Last 4): 11
Goals Conceded (Ourense CF – Last 4): 9
Clean Sheets (Athletic Bilbao – Last 9): 6 matches without scoring
Current Standings
Ourense CF: 14th in Primera Federacion Group A
Athletic Bilbao: 7th in La Liga, two points off sixth place with a game in hand
Athletic’s league position reflects their inconsistency. The Lions possess quality but lack the consistency required for European qualification.
Their focus may shift toward Copa del Rey success as a route to continental competition.
Match Prediction
Athletic Bilbao’s experience and quality should prevail despite their recent struggles. Ourense CF will make the contest difficult, particularly in the opening stages when home support energizes their performance.
The third-tier side’s defensive vulnerabilities in recent matches suggest Athletic can exploit gaps.
Valverde’s rotation policy could initially benefit Ourense, but Athletic’s depth exceeds their opponents.
Inaki Williams’ potential introduction from the bench provides a game-changing option.
The Lions’ need to avoid embarrassment against lower-league opposition should focus their minds.
Predicted Score: Ourense CF 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
Athletic advances but not without scares. Ourense scores through a counter-attack or set piece, but the visitors’ class tells in the final 30 minutes.
The match remains competitive throughout, reflecting Ourense’s cup pedigree and Athletic’s away-day fragility.
Read All Football Predictions.
FAQs
Where To Watch Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao Live?
Fans can watch Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao live on Movistar+ and M+ LALIGA TV in Spain, ESPN Select and fuboTV in the United States, Sport TV6 in Portugal, and FanCode in India, with the Copa del Rey round of 16 match broadcast across multiple international streaming platforms on Thursday.
Who Will Win Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao Match?
Athletic Bilbao will likely win the match against Ourense CF based on their superior squad quality, La Liga experience, and 24 Copa del Rey titles, although the third-tier hosts have already eliminated two top-flight teams this season and possess dangerous counter-attacking capabilities that could trouble the visitors.
What is Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao Match Kick-Off Time?
The Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao Copa del Rey round of 16 match kicks off on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Estadio de O Couto in Ourense, with exact kick-off time varying by broadcast region and timezone.
Are There Any Injuries in Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao Match?
Athletic Bilbao faces significant injury problems with defenders Yuri Berchiche and Aymeric Laporte unavailable, midfielders Unai Egiluz, Benat Prados, Maroan Sannadi, and Robert Navarro sidelined with long-term issues, while Ourense CF has only striker Juan Piera listed as doubtful after missing their last two matches.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Ourense CF vs Athletic Bilbao Match?
The predicted score is Ourense CF 1-2 Athletic Bilbao, as the La Liga side’s attacking quality should overcome their recent scoring struggles against a third-tier opponent that has conceded nine goals in their last four matches despite their impressive cup run.
Athletic Bilbao Standing with Points?
Athletic Bilbao currently sits 7th in La Liga standings, positioned two points behind sixth place with one game in hand, after managing just three wins in their last 11 matches across all competitions and struggling particularly in away fixtures.
Ourense CF Standing With Points?
Ourense CF occupies 14th position in Primera Federacion Group A, Spain’s third tier, after their recent form declined with a loss to Merida AD and a draw against Barakaldo that ended their six-match home winning streak in league competition.