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FootballSpain
Real Madrid Face Copa del Rey Semi-Final with Multiple Absences
about 1 year agoUS
Real Madrid heads into the crucial second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg. However, manager Carlo Ancelotti faces a selection headache with several key players sidelined due to injury, forcing significant rotations for the clash at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Key Insights
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Multiple Injuries:: Real Madrid will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (muscle issue), Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos.
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Squad Rotation:: Carlo Ancelotti rests key stars Kylian Mbappé and Antonio Rüdiger, who start on the bench. Endrick, the first-leg goalscorer, gets his first start at the Bernabéu, leading the attack alongside Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
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Defensive Shuffle:: David Alaba partners Raúl Asencio in central defence, while Eduardo Camavinga fills in at left-back.
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Sociedad's Challenge:: Real Sociedad needs to overturn the 1-0 deficit away from home but can draw inspiration from recent Copa successes at the Bernabéu, notably a 4-3 win in 2020.
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Why this matters:: Madrid's depleted squad, especially in defence, offers Real Sociedad a glimmer of hope. It's a significant opportunity for players like Endrick and Alaba to impress, while Ancelotti balances managing player fitness with securing a spot in the final.
In-Depth Analysis
Real Madrid seeks their fourth final of the season as they host Real Sociedad. Carrying a 1-0 lead secured by Endrick's goal in San Sebastián, Carlo Ancelotti's side aims to reach their third Copa del Rey final under his management. However, the injury list significantly impacts the lineup.
The absence of Courtois means Andriy Lunin continues in goal, having played throughout the cup run. The defence sees major changes: Lucas Vázquez starts at right-back, with Alaba returning alongside youngster Asencio centrally, and Camavinga deployed out of position at left-back due to Mendy's injury and to rest Fran García. The midfield sees the return of rested regulars Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, supporting Jude Bellingham.
Perhaps the most notable change is upfront. Kylian Mbappé, despite his recent goalscoring form, is benched, giving 18-year-old Endrick his first start at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Brazilian youngster is Real Madrid's top scorer in this season's Copa with four goals and will be flanked by compatriots Vinícius and Rodrygo.
Real Sociedad, despite facing a tough challenge, has a history of performing well in the Copa at the Bernabéu. They famously eliminated Madrid 4-3 in the 2020 quarterfinals. Imanol Alguacil welcomes back key players Ander Barrenetxea and Nayef Aguerd, though they are still missing Brais Méndez, Álvaro Odriozola, Arsen Zakharyan, Sheraldo Becker, and Jon Pacheco. Mikel Oyarzabal is fit to start, bolstering their attack as they aim for an upset and a place in the final.
FAQs
Who are the key players missing for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid are without Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos due to injuries.
What was the score in the first leg?
Real Madrid won the first leg 1-0 away at Real Sociedad, with Endrick scoring the only goal.
Why are Mbappé and Rüdiger on the bench?
Carlo Ancelotti has chosen to rotate his squad, likely to manage player workload and give opportunities to others like Endrick and Alaba, given the demanding schedule and upcoming fixtures.
Key Takeaways
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Real Madrid's defensive vulnerabilities due to injuries could be exploited by Real Sociedad.
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This match presents a major opportunity for young talents like Endrick and Raúl Asencio to prove their worth on a big stage.
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Despite the odds, Real Sociedad's history in the Copa del Rey at the Bernabéu suggests they shouldn't be underestimated.
Discussion
Can Real Madrid's rotated squad hold off Real Sociedad's challenge? Do you think Endrick will shine in his first Bernabéu start? Let us know!
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