First Team 13 Jan 2026

Alessio Lisci: “We’re hurting, but we have to get back up”

Osasuna coach speaks to media after Copa del Rey loss to Real Sociedad

Osasuna head coach Alessio Lisci spoke to the media after his side was eliminated on penalties by Real Sociedad in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

“We’re hurting,” Lisci said. “The explanation can be tactical, but also refereeing-related because there was a foul on Rubén on Real’s first goal. Until then, we had the match under control. We were in a medium-to-low block, we reacted well to their first goal, and in the end Real — aside from the refereeing error, which was very influential — deserved the equalizer, especially in the second half and stoppage time. In extra time we were both very tired, and penalties are a lottery. It didn’t go our way.”

The Italian coach said his main focus is lifting the team’s spirits ahead of this weekend’s match.

“We have to get back up by looking at what we did and how close we were,” Lisci said. “Football doesn’t stop, and this continues. Thanks to the fans, who were incredible.”

Lisci also highlighted Osasuna’s attacking performance despite the elimination.

“We’d been struggling to score away from home, and we scored two goals at a very difficult ground,” he said.

The coach praised goalkeeper Aitor Fernández for his performance in the competition.

“A great match and a great Copa,” Lisci said. “He kept us alive until the end today. He deserves the credit — he’s had a great tie. We have two excellent goalkeepers.”

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