Real Madrid will face off against Real Sociedad on February 26, 2025, at the Reale Arena, as both teams vie for a spot in the Copa del Rey final. The match pitting the giants of Spanish football against each other promises to be thrilling and fiercely competitive.
Despite having won LaLiga 36 times, Real Madrid has been surprisingly less successful at capturing the Copa del Rey, lifting the trophy only four times over the past 35 years. This statistic is particularly noteworthy when compared to their arch-rivals, Barcelona, which has claimed the title 32 times.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is well aware of the challenge presented by Real Sociedad, who are eager to reach their first final since the 2019/20 season. Ahead of the match, Ancelotti stated, “It is always difficult to play against them. They are also in good form. It is a semi-final of the Copa del Rey and it is important for both sides. It is going to be a very competitive, even and entertaining match because Real Sociedad plays good football. We want to continue with our dynamic.”
Real Sociedad has been solid this season and will aim to leverage their home advantage against Madrid. At the same time, Real Madrid will look to utilize the experience of their squad, bolstered by the recent arrival of superstar Kylian Mbappé. Ancelotti remarked on the atmosphere within the team post-Mbappé’s arrival, saying, “We have a good atmosphere. Mbappé arrived with a lot of humility and a very low profile. That improved the atmosphere...”
Despite the talent on display, Ancelotti acknowledged the challenges posed by societal issues within the Spanish football framework. He expressed concern over La Liga’s president Javier Tebas’ frequent comments directed at Real Madrid, highlighting the need for the league’s focus to shift toward resolving bigger problems. He stated, “He talks too much about Real Madrid. Since I've been here, he's disrespected millions of Real Madrid fans by talking like this... all Madridistas are proud to be fans of this club.”
With the spotlight firmly on this highly anticipated match, both teams bring significant stories and hopes, making it much more than just another football fixture. For Sociedad, reaching the final would mark an important achievement, reigniting their own storied history. Meanwhile, Real Madrid seeks to reaffirm their status as one of the elite clubs concerning this competition.
It’s clear this match is about more than simply football; it reflects each team's aspirations, the challenges they face, and the storied rivalries steeped deeply within their histories. Will Real Madrid maintain their tradition of overcoming challenges, or will Real Sociedad find themselves back on the path to glory?
The upcoming semifinal clash is set to captivate not just the fans of both clubs, but all football enthusiasts who appreciate the drama and excitement of knockout cup football. With everything on the line, both clubs will strive to come out on top, complete with the determination and spirit characteristic of Spanish football.