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 Sebastián. Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Real Sociedad
Imanol Alguacil's side has already passed five rounds of the Copa del Rey. They encountered difficulties only in the second stage, where they managed to overcome Conquense in extra time. Subsequently, the San Sebastián team won by a two-goal margin, defeating La Liga representatives in the last two rounds: Rayo Vallecano (3-1) and Osasuna (2-0) at home. Last season, the Basques also reached the semi-finals but were defeated by Mallorca over two legs.
- The club has not lost in regular time in their last 12 Copa del Rey matches (9 wins and 3 draws).
- At least one team failed to score in 13 of the last 16 matches involving the San Sebastián side in this tournament.
- No more than two goals were scored in regular time in 12 of the last 15 matches involving 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 Sucic, are out due to injuries.
Real Madrid
In the current Copa del Rey, Real Madrid faced no problems only in their first round, crushing Deportivo Minero away (5-0). However, Carlo Ancelotti's side had to work hard against La Liga teams, requiring extra time to defeat Celta Vigo at home (2-2, extra time 3-0) and overcoming Leganés away (3-2). If Madrid manages to surpass the Basques, they will reach the final for the first time in two years.
- The club has not lost in regular time in their last seven Copa del Rey matches (5 wins and 2 draws).
- At least three goals were scored in regular time in Real's last seven matches in this tournament.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 5 of the last 6 matches involving Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Andriy Lunin – Jacobo Ramón, 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%.
Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid: Match Prediction
Real Madrid is currently facing a very tight schedule. The team has played tough matches against Manchester City in the Champions League, with more challenging fixtures in the round of 16 against Atlético in the European competition. Additionally, there are demanding matches in La Liga. Therefore, Carlo Ancelotti will need to give some rest to his key players, which the San Sebastián side might capitalize on.
Despite their low position in La Liga, Real Sociedad has impressive home statistics. Since November, the Basques have played 12 official matches at home, suffering only one defeat (10 wins and 1 draw). Interestingly, in this series of matches, the Basques have kept a clean sheet 8 times and only conceded more than one goal 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
