Real Sociedad is set to face off against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal on Wednesday night at the Reale Arena. Both clubs are vying for the chance to play against either FC Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the final.
Currently, Real Madrid arrives at this match on the crest of form, having recently dispatched Manchester City from the Champions League and posted a convincing 2-0 victory against Girona. The momentum is palpable, yet Real Sociedad presents a formidable challenge, particularly on their home turf. They have improved dramatically with 11 wins out of their last 13 games at the Reale Arena, having most recently triumphed 3-0 against Leganes.
Real Sociedad's coach, Imanol Alguacil, will have the services of forwards Sheraldo Becker and Take Kubo for this pivotal match, as both players are rested from upcoming league duties due to suspensions. Kubo has been exceptional, scoring 21 goals across 20 matches, with the statistic confirming the team does not lose when he finds the back of the net. This trend has made Kubo the 'golden boy' for Sociedad, and expectations are high for him to transfer this form against Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti will welcome back Jude Bellingham, who is back from suspension following his recent dismissal for swearing at referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero. Bellingham's return could provide the spark needed for Madrid's attack, but the coach has suggested there might be more rotations within the squad, especially on the defensive front. Both Fede Valverde and Dani Carvajal are doubtful due to injury concerns, meaning Real Madrid will have to adapt.
“It’s incredible, I feel tired; the press is tired, and we need to incorporate changes,” said Ancelotti, referencing the strenuous schedule his team has been under. The coach acknowledges the potential risks associated with facing Real Sociedad, noting their recent form makes them particularly dangerous. “Real Sociedad are always hard to play against,” Ancelotti pointed out, emphasizing the competitive nature of the fixture.
For Real Sociedad, Kubo's recent comments about his performance only heighten the interest around his contribution to the evening's match. “This year I should have more goals. I haven’t yet delivered all I can to the Real. My departure will have to be grand if it ever occurs,” Kubo remarked, hinting at his commitment to the club as they seek to triumph against heavyweights like Madrid.
The match is highly anticipated not only for the teams’ current forms but also due to the historical closeness of their encounters. The last Copa del Rey meeting ended with Real Sociedad claiming victory at the Bernabeu, a feat they aim to replicate this time around.
The first leg of this semifinal will take place on February 26, 2025, at 21:30 hours. It can be viewed live across various sports channels within Spain, as fans await what promises to be eightythrilling performances from both sides. Real Sociedad supporters will hope their team can convert their home advantage and maintain Kubo’s unbeaten scoring statistic, facing down the challenge posed by Real Madrid’s star-studded lineup.
The approaching clash not only raises eyebrows due to the stature of its participants but may shape the footballing narrative for both clubs within LaLiga and beyond. Real Madrid’s hunt for another trophy this season continues, but they will face no easy task against the resilient and hungry Real Sociedad.