The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid will take place on February 26 at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian. Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Real Sociedad
Imanol Alguacil's team has already advanced through five rounds of the Copa del Rey. They encountered difficulties only in the second stage, where they needed extra time to overcome Conquense. Subsequently, the San Sebastian side won by a two-goal margin, defeating top-flight teams in the last two rounds: Rayo Vallecano at home (3-1) and Osasuna (2-0). Last season, the Basques also reached the semi-finals but lost to Mallorca over two legs.
- The club has not lost in regular time in its last 12 Copa del Rey matches (9 wins and 3 draws).
- At least one team failed to score in 90 minutes in 13 of the last 16 games for the San Sebastian side in this tournament.
- No more than two goals were scored in regular time in 12 of the last 15 matches for the Basques in the Copa del Rey.
Predicted lineup for Real Sociedad (4-4-2)
Alejandro Remiro – Aritz Elustondo, Nayef Aguerd, Igor Zubeldia, Aihen Muñoz – Brais Méndez, Pablo Marín Tejada, Takefusa Kubo, Martín Zubimendi – Ander Barrenetxea, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Defenders Jon Pacheco and Amari Traore, as well as midfielder Luka Sučić, are sidelined due to injuries.
Real Madrid
In their first round of the current Copa del Rey, Madrid had no problems, thrashing Deportivo Minero away (5-0). However, Carlo Ancelotti's team faced tougher challenges against La Liga sides, requiring effort to defeat Celta at home (2-2, extra time 3-0) and overcoming Leganés away (3-2). If Madrid manages to get past the Basques, they will reach the final for the first time in two years.
- The club is unbeaten in regular time in its last seven Copa del Rey matches (5 wins and 2 draws).
- At least three goals were scored in 90 minutes in the last seven matches for Real in this tournament.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 5 of the last 6 matches for Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Andriy Lunin – Jacobo Ramon, Raúl Asensio, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde – Aurélien Tchouaméni, Luka Modrić – Brahim Díaz, Arda Güler, Rodrygo Goes – Endrick Felipe.
Defenders Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal are out due to injuries.
Referee
José María Sánchez Martínez (Spain)
Matches – 16 (La Liga and Copa del Rey, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 78;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.9;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 63%.
Match Prediction: Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid
Madrid currently has a very tight schedule. The team has played tough matches against Manchester City in the Champions League, with more challenging encounters ahead in the round of 16 in European competition against Atlético. There are also demanding matches in La Liga. Therefore, Carlo Ancelotti will likely give some rest to his key players, which Real Sociedad could capitalize on.
Despite their lower position in La Liga, Real Sociedad has a strong home record. Since November, the Basques have played 13 official matches, suffering only one defeat (11 wins and 1 draw). Interestingly, in this series, the Basques kept a clean sheet in 9 matches and allowed more than one goal only twice.
I believe that one of the best defensive lines in La Liga will be able to contain Madrid's attacking potential and concede no more than one goal. My prediction: Real Madrid Individual Total Under 1.5
Barcelona
Atlético Madrid
