Real Madrid will host Real Sociedad on Tuesday for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal tie. After securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg in San Sebastian, Real Madrid is aiming to advance to the final. The winner of this match will face either FC Barcelona or Atletico de Madrid, who play their semifinal second leg on Wednesday. The Copa del Rey final is scheduled to take place in Seville on April 26.
Historically, Real Madrid has dominated this fixture, winning six of the last ten matches against Real Sociedad, with only one defeat and three draws. Real Madrid`s recent form includes a 3-2 La Liga win against Leganes, placing them second in the league, just behind FC Barcelona. Real Sociedad, currently 10th in La Liga, views the Copa del Rey as a crucial opportunity to qualify for European competition next season and will need a significant turnaround in Madrid to progress.
Real Madrid will be without several key players due to injury, including Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal. Despite these absences, coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to field a strong starting lineup, potentially featuring stars like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 1
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu — Madrid, Spain
- Odds: Real Madrid -200; Draw +350; Real Sociedad +500
Previous Meeting
The last encounter between these two teams was the first leg of this Copa del Rey semifinal on February 26. They also played in La Liga earlier this year on January 18, where Real Madrid won 2-0.
Real Madrid`s Perspective
Carlo Ancelotti, speaking before the match, expressed confidence and motivation within the Real Madrid camp, stating their desire to reach and win another Copa del Rey final. He also acknowledged Barcelona`s strong form, noting the different styles but equal quality of both teams.
Projected Lineups
Real Madrid:
Andriy Lunin, Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Francisco Garcia, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe.
Real Sociedad:
Alex Remiro, Hamari Traore, Igor Zubeldia, Aritz Elustondo, Aihen Munoz, Martin Zubimendi, Takefusa Kubo, Luka Sucic, Pablo Marin, Ander Barrenetxea, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Key Player Spotlight
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe has made an impressive start to his Real Madrid career, scoring 33 goals in 45 appearances, matching Cristiano Ronaldo`s goalscoring record in his debut season for the club. If Mbappe scores in this match, he will surpass this milestone.
Match Storyline
Goalkeeper Selection
Ancelotti has indicated that Andriy Lunin will continue as the goalkeeper for this Copa del Rey match, as he has throughout the competition. However, the possibility of Thibaut Courtois playing in the final, should Real Madrid qualify, remains open.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid is expected to win this home leg and advance to the Copa del Rey final.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Real Sociedad 0.
Dominic Ashworth