Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid: Copa Del Rey Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

When Real Sociedad and Real Madrid meet in Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final match at Reale Arena, Real Madrid will be looking to take a 1-0 lead after the first leg. Los Blancos aim for their 21st Copa del Rey title, while the hosts aim to become four-time champions.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

After having their 2019–20 Copa del Rey final postponed until 2021 because of the COVID-19 epidemic, Real Sociedad finally won it, defeating Basque rivals Athletic Club 1-0.

The last time Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey in front of their home fans was in 1986–87 when they defeated Atletico Madrid on penalties. Therefore, it's safe to say that nobody was there to see them hoist the trophy that day.

Following a five-way tiebreaker, La Real will face Real Madrid in their first Copa del Rey match since February 2020. They will secure their spot in April's final with only two games remaining.

Real Sociedad advanced to the quarterfinals with a 2-0 win against Osasuna, courtesy of goals from Ander Barrenetxea and Brais Mendez. They had previously beaten Jove Espanol, Conquense, Ponferradina, and Rayo Vallecano.

That result started a remarkable streak for Imanol Alguacil's team, which has won five of its last six matches. On Sunday, it thrashed Leganes 3-0 at home in La Liga, with goals from Arsen Zakharyan, Take Kubo, and Jon Ander Olasagasti, putting La Real in eighth place.

The home team will know they aren't odds-on favorites for the semi-final match, but they've won 11 of their past 13 games played at the Reale Arena, including all five of their most recent home matches. This should give them confidence heading into the first leg.

Real Madrid, which has previously won the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, is in contention for three trophies this season—La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey—under Carlo Ancelotti's tutelage.

With two goals in their last three league meetings, Los Blancos got their La Liga championship defense off with a 2-0 home win against Girona on Sunday. Luka Modric scored a spectacular goal, and Vinicius Junior scored a late goal to put the game out of reach.

With thirteen games remaining in the championship race, Real Madrid are now tied for first position with Barcelona and one point ahead of third-place Atletico Madrid, thanks to their fifth victory in six home league games.

After defeating Osasuna in the 2022–23 final to win the Copa del Rey for the 20th time in their history, Real Madrid will shift their attention to their Copa del Rey campaign. Los Blancos are aiming to win the tournament for the second time in three seasons.

At the beginning of their current cup run, they defeated Celta Vigo and Deportivo Minera. Then, with a late goal from Gonzalo Garcia—scoring his first senior goal—they defeated fellow Madrid side Leganes 3-2. In the quarterfinals, Ancelotti's squad will now face Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona.

Although Real Sociedad will play at home in the first leg, Real Madrid will still be determined to win. They have won the last three encounters between the two teams, including a 2-0 league triumph in September at the Reale Arena.

Real Sociedad x Real Madrid Team News

After being substituted off in the first half of Real Sociedad's match against Leganes, Nayef Aguerd has joined Luka Sucic, Jon Pacheco, and Hamari Traore on the list of injured players.

Despite making his La Liga debut after an injury-plagued season, Zakharyan is questionable to play in Wednesday's first leg of the semi-finals after being replaced before halftime due to a minor ailment.

Sheraldo Becker and Igor Zubeldia, both banned for Sunday's productive La Liga encounter, will be available to play on matchday.

In addition to Olasagasti and Mikel Oyarzabal, Zubeldia may start on the defensive side of the pitch in place of Aguerd.

Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid's starting defense combo, are still nursing long-term knee ailments and will not be available for selection.

Ancelotti may give him extra rest after starting the midfielder Federico Valverde on the bench in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Girona.

After serving the first of a two-game La Liga suspension over the weekend, Jude Bellingham is expected to return to the starting lineup triumphantly.

Andriy Lunin will likely replace Thibaut Courtois in goal on Wednesday, having played in all three of Real Madrid's cup matches. Antonio Rudiger, Fran Garcia, and Dani Ceballos are all in the running to start.

Our Predictions

Full-time draw @ 3.60 on Sky247.ng

We predict a draw in Wednesday's first leg between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid, despite both teams looking to take a lead into April's second leg. Real Sociedad has been formidable at home lately, while Real Madrid has lost just once in their last eleven competitive away games.

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