Soccer

    Barcelona vs Osasuna tips and predictions: Underdogs won’t go quietly in Super Cup semi-final

    Sergiu BaltutaSergiu Baltuta9 January 2024
    Xavi Hernandez

    Xavi Hernandez

    The Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia continues with Barcelona facing Osasuna on Thursday night (1900 GMT).

    Xavi's Barcelona qualified for the tournament after winning the title last season and will be aiming to lift the trophy for the second season in a row.

    The Catalans are fortunate to have drawn the easiest tie on paper, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid being pitted against each other in the other match.

    For the first time, Osasuna will compete in the final four of the competition. Los Rojillos qualified for the event thanks to their performance in last season’s Copa del Rey, where they reached the final.

    Jagoba Arrasate's team, the underdogs of the tournament, will need to spring a surprise.

    Barcelona has won the Spanish Super Cup 14 times, more than any other team.

     

    The Catalans are the defending champions after an excellent tournament in 2023 when they managed to beat Real Madrid 3-1 in the final.

    Barcelona, despite winning their previous matches, are in third place in La Liga with 41 points, seven points behind Real Madrid and Girona.

    Osasuna has gotten off to a great start this year. After defeating Castellon 1-0 in extra time, they have advanced to the round of 16 in the Copa del Rey.

    They also began 2024 with a 1-0 win against Almeria in La Liga and currently sit 12th in the league table with 22 points.

    The last head-to-head game was played in Pamplona and Barca managed a narrow 2-1 win with goals from Jules Kounde and Robert Lewandowski.

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    Barcelona won both of the previous meetings by a single goal so this season's semi-final could be just as competitive.

    Key stats

    - Barcelona has won four of the last five games between the two teams.

    - Osasuna’s last win against the Catalans was in 2020, 2-1 at Camp Nou. 

    - At least two goals scored in four of the last five meetings

    - Barcelona began 2024 with two close victories, one in La Liga and one in Copa del Rey.

    - Osasuna are in good form, with three wins in their last five games in all competitions

    Suggested bets

    Barcelona to win and over 2.5 goals

    Both teams to score