CD Eldense aim to pull off a stunning upset when they host Real Sociedad tonight in the Copa del Rey Round of 32. The third-tier underdogs face a La Liga side desperately seeking stability after replacing their manager.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Game held at Estadio Municipal Nuevo Pepico Amat on December 16, 2025 at 8:00 PM local time
- Eldense sit 7th in Primera Federación Group 2, posting just 1 defeat in their last 11 matches
- Real Sociedad are 15th in La Liga struggling after sacking coach Sergio Francisco over the weekend
- Eldense’s unbeaten home record features 17 points from 8 league matches this season
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Eldense represent everything the Copa del Rey tradition embodies: the underdog’s cup. The club from Spain’s third tier has engineered an unlikely Deep run by stunning higher-division opponents. Their 2-1 victory over second-tier Almeria in the previous round typified their fighting spirit.
Real Sociedad, conversely, bring Elite pedigree from La Liga but arrive in chaos. Coach Sergio Francisco was sacked after just 18 matches despite winning 3 of his last 11 games. The decision came after consecutive La Liga defeats to Girona (2-1) and Alaves (1-0) left them sitting one point above the relegation zone with just 24 matches played.
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Ion Ansotegi takes interim charge, meaning Real Sociedad’s tactical setup remains unpredictable heading into Tuesday night’s battle.
Home-Ground Advantage for Eldense Carries Real Weight
Eldense’s fortress mentality at their compact 4,036-capacity stadium has been remarkable. They’ve garnered 17 points from just 8 home league matches this season, establishing themselves as formidable in their own backyard. Head coach Claudio Barragan has crafted a resilient unit unlikely to tinker with a winning formula.
Real Sociedad were leading Girona until the 76th minute before defensive frailties cost them. With interim boss Ansotegi likely preserving a similar XI from that match, they’ll deploy attacking intent. Yet Real Sociedad’s lack of rhythm and recent managerial turmoil provides an opening Eldense can exploit.
The three-match La Liga losing streak represents Real Sociedad’s worst form in months, a perfect storm of circumstances favoring tournament upsets.
Key Storylines to Watch Tonight
| Factor | Eldense | Real Sociedad |
| League Position | 7th (Primera Federación Group 2) | 15th (La Liga) |
| Recent Form | 1 loss in 11 matches | 3-match losing streak |
| Key Player | Hamza Bellari (2 goals, 1 assist in Copa del Rey) | Takefusa Kubo |
| Home Record | 17 points from 8 games | Away form uncertain |
Injury Concerns and Team News Heading into Tuesday
Real Sociedad face a mounting injury crisis. Mikel Oyarzabal, the captain, remains sidelined following his training injury. Orri Oskarsson and Yangel Herrera are also unavailable, weakening their attacking and midfield options.
Eldense have one main absent player in Israel Salazar, ruled out with a cruciate ligament tear. Otherwise, Claudio Barragan has a mostly fit squad ready for action. Creative midfielder Borja Calvo could feature after coming on in recent matches, providing defensive stability Real Sociedad might struggle against.
“Real Sociedad will bid to begin an upturn in fortunes when they face Eldense in the round-of-32 of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday night.”
— Sports Mole Preview, December 16, 2025
Can Eldense’s Momentum Extend Against La Liga Opposition Tonight?
This matchup epitomizes Copa del Rey’s unpredictability. Eldense arrive brimming with confidence and rhythm, having claimed victories over teams two and three divisions above them. Their sustained form across 11 matches suggests tactical discipline and hunger.
Real Sociedad possess individual quality that should prevail statistically. Yet they arrive emotionally drained, managerially unstable, and suffering La Liga’s worst form in months. The chaos of managerial change typically disrupts cohesion, and Ansotegi faces enormous pressure to stabilize results quickly.
Betting markets heavily favor Real Sociedad (around 57-58% implied probability of victory), but tournament football has repeatedly punished complacency. If Eldense execute their compact, efficient game plan while Real Sociedad’s disrupted preparation shows, tonight could produce one of the tournament’s genuine shock results.
Sources
- Sports Mole – Preview and team news analysis
- Transfermarkt – Injury updates and player availability
- OneFootball – Confirmed starting lineups and tactical approaches
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.