The Copa del Rey continues this week with Real Madrid welcoming Real Sociedad on Tuesday for the second leg of their semifinal clash. Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelotti, secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg in San Sebastian, thanks to a goal from Brazilian forward Endrick.
The winner of this matchup will proceed to the final on April 26 in Seville, where they will face either FC Barcelona or Atletico de Madrid. Their semifinal will be held in Madrid on Wednesday, following a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg in Barcelona.
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 game, Real Madrid defeated Leganes 3-2 at the Bernabeu in La Liga. They are currently second in the league, two points behind FC Barcelona, who won 4-1 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 in overturning the deficit in Madrid.
Andriy Lunin is expected to be in goal for Real Madrid, continuing his role as the cup goalkeeper. However, Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal are unavailable due to injuries. Ancelotti is anticipated to field a strong starting lineup, potentially including 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
Recent Encounter
Real Madrid and Real Sociedad last played on February 26 in the first leg of this Copa del Rey semifinal. Earlier in the year, Real Madrid also defeated Real Sociedad 2-0 in a La Liga match on January 18, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. scoring the goals.
Real Madrid`s Perspective
Carlo Ancelotti stated in a press conference that his team is motivated and in good form, expressing their desire to reach another Copa del Rey final and win the competition again.
Ancelotti also commented on Barcelona`s recent victory, acknowledging their excellent style of play while highlighting Real Madrid`s different but equally effective approach, emphasizing that team style is 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 to Watch
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid: Mbappe has made an impressive start for Real Madrid, scoring 33 goals in 45 appearances, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo`s goal tally in his debut season for the club with several months remaining in the season. Ancelotti mentioned that surpassing Ronaldo`s achievements would solidify Mbappe`s legendary status at Real Madrid.
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, he suggested that Courtois could feature in the final if they qualify. Lunin`s performance in this match may influence the goalkeeping decision for the final.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid is favored to win this match, especially after their first-leg victory. Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Real Sociedad 0.
