Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Copa del Rey

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Preview

• Tournament: Copa del Rey
• Date: February 26, 2025
• Kick-off Time: 8:30 pm GMT
• Venue: Reale Arena, San Sebastian, Spain

Real Sociedad will welcome Real Madrid at the Reale Arena on Wednesday evening for the first leg of the 2024/25 Copa del Rey semi-finals. Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona will compete in the other semi-finals. The Los Blancos will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home in early April. Real Sociedad and Real Madrid have won three and 20 Copa del Rey titles respectively in their histories. The upcoming Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid fixture is sure to add another fascinating chapter to the already rich history of this rivalry.

Real Sociedad will be content with how the recent matches have played out. Barring a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Real Betis, Sociedad has won all of its last six matches. Imanol Aguacil's men are just a point behind the European places, which is one of the primary goals for the club every season. Mikel Oyarzabal is the top scorer for La Real with nine goals as well as seven assists. As far as La Liga is concerned, Sociedad has scored just 0.9 goals per game which is the fourth lowest in the division but has also kept the joint most clean sheets (12).

Real Madrid recorded an invaluable 2-0 victory over Girona on Sunday in La Liga. The three points enable the defending champions to stay neck-to-neck with Barcelona in the title race. Carlo Ancelotti and his squad are gearing up for a chaotic and congested calendar ahead which revolves around La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. Madrid fans will hold themselves as the favourites in each tournament but will demand more effort and efficiency from the players. Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. have been the most creative players for Real Madrid this term with 10 assists each. The club has scored 54 and conceded just 23 goals in La Liga.

Real Sociedad Team News

Hamari Traore (Cruciate Ligament Injury), Jon Pacheco (Muscle Injury), and Luka Sucic (Knee Injury) will not be available for selection on Wednesday. The latter two are expected to be back in action before the second leg. It will be interesting to see if the coach goes in for an aggressive style at home or adopts a more conservative approach against Real Madrid.

Real Madrid Team News

Real Madrid's biggest positive out of the win against Girona was perhaps the fact that Fede Valverde got a much-deserved rest. The Uruguayan has played the most minutes out of any player playing in Europe this season. He will now be in a battle with Lucas Vasquez for the right-back spot for the rest of the season. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao will not be in contention for selection for the remainder of the season.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Predicted Lineups

Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Remiro

Defenders: Aramburu, Elustondo, Aguerd, Lopez

Midfielders: Zubimendi, Kubo, Zakharyan, Marin, Gomez

Forwards: Oskarsson

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Courtois

Defenders: Valverde, Asencio, Alaba, Garcia

Midfielders: Ceballos, Tchouameni, Guler

Forwards: Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid H2H Record

Overall, in the last five meetings between the two sides, Real Madrid has won three games, Real Sociedad has won a single match, and one game has ended in a draw.

Key Players to Watch in Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid

Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

The 25-year-old is certainly doing above and beyond his profile and task role for Real Sociedad. Nevertheless, Zubimendi's main objective against Real Madrid will be to come up with his usual composed self in the midfield. The Spaniard is one of the most potent holding midfielders in La Liga and his performance level with directly influence Sociedad's chances. Zubimendi has nine tackles and four progressive carries in his last five matches. His name has been constantly linked to Real Madrid by the Spanish media in recent months.

Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

Amidst the hype and excitement surrounding the more established names of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe. many football fans forget the contributions made by Rodrygo. The Brazilian has sacrificed his desire to play in his desired left-wing spot. However, the position has not caused a decline in his performances with Rodrygo set to cross his best figures in a season. Real Madrid's balance depends on the inclusion of Rodyrgo in the playing XI. He has 13 goals and eight assists this term along with an xG of 1.0 in his last five appearances.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Prediction

Real Madrid required two penalties to get the victory when these two sides met in the league at San Sebastian this season. Sociedad has enough potency in all departments to cause trouble to what has been an indecisive Real Madrid squad this season. The visitors will rely on the form and the displays of their front three.

Predicted Score: Real Sociedad 1-3 Real Madrid

Where to watch Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Live?