The Copa del Rey continues this week with Real Madrid welcoming Real Sociedad on Tuesday for the second leg of their semi-final clash. Real Madrid holds a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in San Sebastian, thanks to a goal from Endrick.
The winner of this tie will face either FC Barcelona or Atletico de Madrid in the final, who play their second leg in Madrid on Wednesday after an exciting 4-4 draw in Barcelona. The Copa del Rey final is scheduled for April 26 in Seville.
Real Sociedad has struggled against Real Madrid recently, winning only once in their last ten encounters. Real Madrid has won six of these matches, with three draws. In their most recent La Liga match, Real Madrid defeated Leganes 3-2 at the Bernabeu, remaining two points behind FC Barcelona in the league standings. Real Sociedad, currently 10th in La Liga, sees the Copa del Rey as their best opportunity to qualify for European competition next season. However, they face a significant challenge to overcome Real Madrid in Madrid.
Real Madrid is expected to field a strong lineup, although Andriy Lunin will likely start in goal as the designated cup goalkeeper. Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal are unavailable due to injuries. Key players such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr. are expected to feature. Here’s a closer look at the match details:
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 1
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
Recent Encounters
The previous match between these teams was the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on February 26. They also played in La Liga earlier this year, on January 18, with Real Madrid winning 2-0, courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid`s Perspective
Carlo Ancelotti expressed his optimism in the pre-match press conference, stating, “We are in good shape, motivated, and in good form, and we hope to reach another final. We would love to play another Copa del Rey final; it has been a good competition for us, and we want to win it again.”
Ancelotti also commented on Barcelona`s recent victory, noting their attractive style of play while highlighting Real Madrid`s different but equally effective approach, emphasizing that team style is influenced by player availability.
Projected Starting 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.
Player Spotlight
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid: Mbappe has made an impressive start at Real Madrid, scoring 33 goals in 45 appearances, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo`s debut season tally for the club with still two months remaining in the season. A goal on Tuesday would see him surpass this milestone. Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge but suggested that matching Ronaldo`s Real Madrid legacy would solidify Mbappe`s legendary status.
Key Storyline
Goalkeeper Selection: Ancelotti has confirmed Lunin as the starting goalkeeper for the semi-final, consistent with cup matches this season. However, he hinted at a potential change for the final, suggesting Courtois could feature. Lunin`s performance against Real Sociedad may influence the goalkeeping decision for the final, should Real Madrid qualify.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid is favored to win, especially after their first-leg victory in San Sebastian. Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Real Sociedad 0.
