The Copa del Rey continues this week with a highly anticipated semifinal second leg match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. Real Madrid enters the game with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, secured by a goal from young Brazilian striker Endrick.
The winner of this tie will advance to the final in Seville on April 26th, where they will face either FC Barcelona or Atletico de Madrid, who play their semifinal second leg on Wednesday following a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first match.
Historically, Real Madrid has dominated this matchup, winning six of the last ten encounters against Real Sociedad, with only one loss for Real Sociedad and three draws. Real Madrid is coming off a 3-2 victory against Leganes in La Liga, where they currently sit second in the standings, two points behind FC Barcelona. Real Sociedad, in contrast, has had a less impressive season and currently occupies 10th place in La Liga. The Copa del Rey represents their best opportunity to qualify for European competition next season, making this a crucial game for them to overcome the deficit in Madrid.
Real Madrid is expected to field a strong lineup, although they will be without Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal due to injuries. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is likely to start, maintaining his role in cup matches. Key players such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr. are anticipated to be in the starting eleven.
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 two teams was the first leg of this Copa del Rey semifinal on February 26th. Earlier in the year, Real Madrid also defeated Real Sociedad 2-0 in a La Liga fixture on January 18th, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. scoring the goals.
Real Madrid`s Perspective
Ahead of the match, Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence, 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 positive competition for us, and we are aiming to win it again.”
Ancelotti also commented on Barcelona`s recent form, acknowledging their strong play but highlighting Real Madrid`s different yet equally effective style, emphasizing that team styles are influenced by 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 Spotlight
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): Mbappe has made an impressive start to his Real Madrid career, scoring 33 goals in 45 appearances, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo`s goalscoring record in his debut season with Real Madrid, and with several months of the season still remaining. Ancelotti noted that surpassing Ronaldo`s achievements is a significant challenge, but if Mbappe can do so, he will achieve legendary status at the club.
Key Storyline
Goalkeeper Selection: Ancelotti has indicated that Lunin will continue as the goalkeeper for this semifinal, as he has throughout the Copa del Rey campaign. However, he suggested that the goalkeeping situation for a potential final is still open, possibly between Lunin and Courtois. Lunin`s performance in this match could be decisive in determining the goalkeeper for the final, should Real Madrid qualify.
Match Prediction
Given Real Madrid`s home advantage and first-leg lead, they are favored to win this match. Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Real Sociedad 0.
Adrian Whitmore