The second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals kicks off this week as Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, and Barcelona look to be the last club standing in Spain's oldest national soccer competition. Real Madrid, which last won the Copa del Rey in 2023, welcomes Real Sociedad on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Madrid won the first leg 1-0 on a goal from Endrick on February 26. Their crosstown rivals, Atlético Madrid, host Barcelona in their second leg of the semifinals on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The two clubs played to a frantic 4-4 draw in the first leg on February 25, leaving the tie finely balanced.
Real Madrid enters the match with a slight advantage after securing a narrow victory in the first leg against Real Sociedad at Reale Arena. The only goal of that match came from Brazilian forward Endrick, who netted in the first half. This victory was not only pivotal for Real Madrid's Copa del Rey ambitions but also marked a moment of resilience amid ongoing controversies regarding racial abuse directed at their star player, Vinicius Junior.
As they prepare for the second leg, manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to field a strong lineup, possibly including Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Fede Valverde, who were rested during their recent league match against Leganes. The potential starting XI for Real Madrid could feature Lunin in goal, with a defensive line of Vazquez, Asensio, Rudiger, and F. Garcia. In midfield, Valverde, Tchouameni, and Bellingham are likely to control the tempo, while the attacking trio of Rodrygo, Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. aims to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, will look to overturn the deficit and secure a spot in the final. Coach Imanol Alguacil is expected to make adjustments to his squad, especially with the absence of injured midfielder Brais Mendez. However, forward Ander Barrenetxea returns from suspension and could play a crucial role in the attacking front. The expected lineup for Real Sociedad includes Remiro in goal, supported by a defense of Traore, Zubeldia, Elustondo, and Munoz. The midfield will likely see Sucic, Zubimendi, and Marin working to create chances for forwards Kubo, Oyarzabal, and Barrenetxea.
Meanwhile, the clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona promises to be equally thrilling. The first leg saw the teams exchange blows in a wild 4-4 draw, with both sides displaying attacking flair and resilience. Atlético's manager Diego Simeone is set to make several changes for the return leg at the Metropolitano. Key players like Julian Alvarez, who has been in sensational form with 23 goals this season, will lead the line for Atlético. Alvarez is expected to replace Alexander Sorloth in the starting XI, supported by Antoine Griezmann, who will be eager to break his goal drought.
However, Atlético faces challenges with injuries and suspensions. Angel Correa will miss the match due to a five-match ban, and Koke remains a doubt after being sidelined with a muscle injury. Defender Robin Le Normand, who recently returned to training after a head injury, may also be called upon to strengthen the defense. The likely starting lineup for Atlético includes Musso in goal, with a back four of Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, and Reinildo. In midfield, Simeone, Barrios, and De Paul will aim to control the game's pace, while Lino and Alvarez provide width and goal-scoring threat.
On the opposite side, Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, will look to capitalize on their attacking prowess to secure a place in the final. The Catalan giants have a rich history in the Copa del Rey, boasting 31 titles, the most in the competition's history. Barcelona's lineup is expected to feature Szczesny in goal, with Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, and Balde forming the defense. The midfield will likely consist of Gavi and Pedri, while the attacking trio of Yamal, de Jong, and Raphinha aims to support the prolific Robert Lewandowski.
Both matches are set to kick off at 9:30 PM local time (19:30 GMT), with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome. The stakes couldn't be higher, as the winners will advance to the Copa del Rey final, scheduled for April 26, 2025, in Seville. With both ties finely poised, the excitement surrounding these matches is palpable, and the potential for drama is immense.
As the action unfolds, fans will be glued to their screens, hoping to witness a historic night in Spanish football. Will Real Madrid maintain their edge against Real Sociedad? Can Atlético Madrid overcome their injury woes to topple Barcelona? Only time will tell as these fierce rivals battle it out for a coveted place in the final of the Copa del Rey.
