Real Madrid will look to establish a first-leg advantage when they travel to the Reale Arena for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Real Sociedad.
With both teams eyeing a place in the final, this match promises to be a thrilling contest.
The Basque side is dreaming of securing their fourth Copa del Rey title, with their most recent victory coming in the 2019-20 season, where they triumphed over Athletic Club in a delayed final.
However, they have not lifted the trophy in front of their home fans since the 1986-87 season, when they won against Atletico Madrid on penalties.
Real Sociedad is now just two matches away from reaching the final after overcoming Jove Espanol, Conquense, Ponferradina, Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna, with a 2-0 win in the quarter-finals thanks to goals from Ander Barrenetxea and Brais Mendez.
Imanol Alguacil’s team has been in excellent form, recording five wins in their last six competitive fixtures, including a dominant 3-0 victory over Leganes in La Liga on Sunday.
Real Sociedad will look to build on this strong home form, having won 11 of their last 13 competitive matches at the Reale Arena, including their previous five at home.
Los Blancos are aiming to win the Copa del Rey for the 21st time in their history, and their hopes were boosted after they claimed the trophy in the 2022-23 season with a win over Osasuna.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side has already clinched the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and is competing for four trophies this season, including the Copa del Rey, La Liga, and the Champions League.
After a shaky run of two points from three La Liga matches, Real Madrid bounced back with a 2-0 win over Girona on Sunday, with Luka Modric and Vinicius Junior scoring.
This victory moved them level on points with leaders Barcelona in the title race.
Real Madrid will now shift their focus to the Copa del Rey, where they began their campaign with victories over Deportivo Minera, Celta Vigo and Leganes, the latter secured by a last-minute winner from Gonzalo Garcia.
Though they don’t have the advantage of home support for this first leg, Real Madrid will be confident, having won their last three encounters with Real Sociedad, including a 2-0 victory in La Liga earlier this season.
Team News:
Real Sociedad will be without Hamari Traore, Luka Sucic, Jon Pacheco, and Nayef Aguerd, who picked up an injury in the recent match against Leganes.
Imanol Alguacil will also need to assess the fitness of Arsen Zakharyan, who was withdrawn at halftime last weekend due to a minor injury.
However, Igor Zubeldia and Sheraldo Becker will return to the matchday squad after serving suspensions.
Zubeldia could slot in for Aguerd in the backline, while Olasagasti and Mikel Oyarzabal are expected to start.
For Real Madrid, Ancelotti will be missing defensive duo Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal due to long-term knee injuries.
Federico Valverde may be given extra rest after being left on the bench for the win over Girona.
Jude Bellingham, who missed the previous match due to suspension, is set to return to the starting lineup.
Andriy Lunin is expected to replace Thibaut Courtois in goal, with Antonio Rudiger, Fran Garcia, and Dani Ceballos all in contention to feature.
Possible Starting Lineups:
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, Mbappe
