The Copa del Rey continues this week with Real Madrid hosting Real Sociedad on Tuesday for the second leg of their semifinal matchup. Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelotti, secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg in San Sebastian thanks to a goal from Brazilian striker Endrick. The winner of this tie will proceed to the final in Seville on April 26, where they will face either FC Barcelona or Atletico de Madrid, who play their semifinal second leg in Madrid on Wednesday following an exciting 4-4 draw in the first leg.
Real Sociedad`s recent record against Real Madrid has been poor, with only one win in their last ten encounters. Real Madrid has won six of these matches, with three draws. Real Madrid enters this game after a 3-2 La Liga victory against Leganes on Saturday at the Bernabeu. They are currently two points behind FC Barcelona in the league standings, after Barcelona`s 4-1 win against Girona. Real Sociedad, currently 10th in La Liga, views 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.
Andriy Lunin is expected to be in goal for Real Madrid, continuing as the preferred goalkeeper for cup matches. However, Real Madrid will be without Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal due to injuries. Ancelotti is anticipated to field a strong starting lineup, potentially including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr. Here’s a preview of the match, including viewing information and more:
Match Details and Betting Odds
- Date: Tuesday, April 1
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Real Madrid -200; Draw +350; Real Sociedad +500
Previous Meeting
Real Madrid and Real Sociedad last played on February 26 in the first leg of this Copa del Rey semifinal. They also met in La Liga earlier this year on January 18, with Real Madrid winning 2-0. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. scored in that La Liga match.
Real Madrid`s Perspective
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press before the semifinal, stating, “We are in good shape, motivated, and in good form, and we hope to reach another final. We would be delighted to play in another Copa del Rey final; it`s been a good competition for us, and we aim to win it again.”
Ancelotti also commented on Barcelona`s recent win against Girona, noting, “Barcelona plays wonderful football, and Real Madrid has a different style but of the same quality. Comparing the two teams is difficult because the style depends on the players available.”
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.
Key Player to Watch
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid – Mbappe has made an impressive start at Real Madrid, scoring 33 goals in 45 games, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo`s goal count in his debut season for Real Madrid, with still two months remaining in the season. A goal on Tuesday would see him surpass Ronaldo`s debut season tally. Ancelotti commented on this, saying, “It`s not easy, but if Mbappe can achieve what Cristiano Ronaldo did with Real Madrid, he will become a legend like him.”
Match Storyline
Goalkeeper Selection: Ancelotti has indicated that Lunin will continue as the goalkeeper for this semifinal, as he has throughout the cup competition. However, Ancelotti mentioned he might reconsider for the final, saying, “We`ll see, Lunin and Courtois might play, and if they get injured, Fran Gonzalez might play, but if we don`t reach the final, none of the three will play.” It`s common in Europe for second-choice goalkeepers to play in cup games, but starting Courtois in a potential final against Barcelona or Atletico Madrid would be a significant decision. Lunin`s performance against Real Sociedad could be crucial in determining the goalkeeper for the final, should Real Madrid qualify.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid is favored to win at home, especially after their first-leg victory in San Sebastian. Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Real Sociedad 0.
