Softfootball previews Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid, covering predictions, team news, and potential lineups.
Real Madrid heads to the Reale Arena, aiming to gain the upper hand in the first leg of their semi-final clash against Real Sociedad. The home side, dreaming of lifting their fourth Copa del Rey trophy, faces a Madrid squad eyeing their 21st title in the competition.
Real Sociedad last won the Copa del Rey in 2019-20, defeating Athletic Club 1-0 in a delayed final without fans due to COVID-19. Their previous triumph in front of supporters was in 1987, with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.
Just two games away from another final, La Real eliminated Jove Espanol, Conquense, Ponferradina, and Rayo Vallecano before securing a 2-0 quarter-final win against Osasuna. Goals from Ander Barrenetxea and Brais Mendez sealed their place in the semis.
Imanol Alguacil’s men are in superb form, with five wins in their last six matches. Their latest triumph was a 3-0 La Liga win over Leganes, with Arsen Zakharyan, Take Kubo, and Jon Ander Olasagasti all getting on the scoresheet.
Sociedad has been dominant at home, winning 11 of their last 13 competitive games at the Reale Arena. With five consecutive home victories, they will look to take an advantage into the second leg despite being labeled underdogs.
Real Madrid, already winners of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, remains in contention for a historic quadruple. Competing in La Liga, the Champions League, and Copa del Rey, they are determined to add more silverware this season.
After taking two points from three league matches, Carlo Ancelotti’s side bounced back with a 2-0 win over Girona. A stunning Luka Modric strike and a late Vinicius Junior goal kept Madrid level on points with Barcelona in the title race.
Los Blancos seek their second Copa del Rey title in three seasons, having last won in 2022-23 by beating Osasuna. Their current run began with wins over Deportivo Minera and Celta Vigo before a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leganes.
Gonzalo Garcia’s late winner against Leganes sent Madrid into the semi-finals alongside Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona. While they lack home advantage, their recent dominance over Sociedad, including a 2-0 win in September, boosts their confidence.
Real Sociedad will be without Hamari Traore, Luka Sucic, and Jon Pacheco due to injuries, while Nayef Aguerd is sidelined after limping off against Leganes. Arsen Zakharyan is doubtful after a minor injury forced him off at halftime last weekend.
Igor Zubeldia and Sheraldo Becker return from suspension, with Zubeldia expected to replace Aguerd in defense. Olasagasti and Mikel Oyarzabal could also feature in the starting lineup as Sociedad aims for a strong first-leg result.
Real Madrid continues to miss long-term absentees Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal. Federico Valverde may be rested, while Kylian Mbappe is out due to a scheduled break following a tooth removal. Jude Bellingham is set to return to the lineup.
Andriy Lunin is expected to start in goal, having played all of Madrid’s Copa del Rey matches this season. Antonio Rudiger, Fran Garcia, and Dani Ceballos are also in contention for a starting role in Ancelotti’s squad.
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Lopez; Zubimendi; Kubo, Olasagasti, Marin, Gomez; Oyarzabal
Real Madrid: Lunin; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia; Ceballos, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Endrick
Sociedad’s home form and Madrid’s resilience on the road set up a thrilling encounter. Both teams will aim to take an advantage into the second leg, but with Sociedad’s home strength and Madrid’s solid away record, a draw seems likely.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 2-2 Real Madrid.
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