Real Madrid Hosts Real Sociedad in Crucial Copa del Rey Semifinal Second Leg

In-Depth Analysis

Real Madrid enters this crucial second leg with a slender 1-0 lead, secured by Copa del Rey top scorer Endrick (4 goals in the competition) in Anoeta. Despite mixed results recently, including narrow league wins and a tense Champions League progression, Carlo Ancelotti is prioritizing the Copa del Rey. He rested key players like Valverde, Tchouaméni, Vinícius, and Rodrygo in their last league outing against Leganés, suggesting they will return to the starting XI. David Alaba might also feature from the start after returning from injury and playing international duty. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin retains his spot as the designated cup keeper, with Thibaut Courtois still sidelined. While Kylian Mbappé is in excellent form (33 goals this season, 18 in 2025), he might initially make way for Endrick to feature alongside Vinícius and Rodrygo in a potent Brazilian attack. The team continues without injured Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos.

Real Sociedad, managed by Imanol Alguacil, face an uphill battle but possess fond Copa memories at the Bernabéu. Their famous 4-3 victory in the 2020 quarterfinals serves as a blueprint for an upset. Recent form has been challenging, with only one win in their last seven matches across all competitions since the first leg. However, the return of influential winger Ander Barrenetxea (from suspension) and defender Nayef Aguerd (rested last weekend) provides a significant boost. They remain without Brais Méndez, Álvaro Odriozola, Arsen Zakharyan, Sheraldo Becker, and Jon Pacheco due to injuries. The focus will be on overcoming their recent goal-scoring struggles (worst in LaLiga's top half) and leveraging the talent of captain Mikel Oyarzabal and playmaker Take Kubo, who faces his former club. Martín Zubimendi's performance in midfield will also be under scrutiny amid links to Real Madrid.

Historically, Real Madrid holds a slight edge in Copa clashes (7-4 wins), but the semifinal head-to-head is tighter (3-2 to Madrid). Sociedad's ability to score multiple goals against Madrid in past cup ties (three times scoring four) serves as a warning for the home side not to get complacent.

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Takeaways

• **High Stakes:** This match determines who advances to the Copa del Rey final on April 26th.
• **Madrid's Strength:** Expect a strong Real Madrid lineup featuring rested stars, aiming to control the game and protect their lead.
• **Sociedad's Challenge:** Real Sociedad needs to score at least once to force extra time and twice to win outright (without conceding), relying on their key attackers and past Bernabéu success.
• **Key Battles:** Watch the duels between Madrid's attack (Vinícius, Rodrygo, Mbappé/Endrick) and Sociedad's defence (boosted by Aguerd's return), and the midfield contest featuring players like Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Zubimendi, and Marín.

Discussion

Can Real Sociedad pull off another Bernabéu upset, or will Real Madrid secure their spot in the final? Let us know your predictions!

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