Real Sociedad and Real Madrid are gearing up for their highly anticipated Copa del Rey semi-final clash, which is set to kick off on February 26, 2025, at 23:30 Moscow time. The match will take place at the Reale Arena, where Sociedad hopes to showcase their strength on home soil against the famous Galácticos.
This will be the first encounter between the two teams since they faced off during the same tournament back in February 2020, where Sociedad emerged victorious with a thrilling 4-3 win, propelling them to the next stage. The excitement around this new match is palpable, as Sociedad is determined to prove their mettle against their illustrious adversaries.
Sociedad approaches this game with notable momentum, having won five of their last six matches across all competitions. Their recent performance includes a convincing 3-0 victory over Leganés, where their star player, Zakharian, made headlines by scoring the opener. This pivotal match for Sociedad holds significant weight as the team strives to reclaim the Copa del Rey after their last triumph, which occurred under empty stadiums amid the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid finds themselves equally motivated, aiming for triumph on multiple fronts this season, including La Liga and the Champions League. After bouncing back from a rough patch where they secured only two points from three matches, Madrid recently claimed important points with a 2-0 victory against Girona. This refreshing win has re-ignited their title hopes and showcased the team's resilience.
Betting analysts have identified Real Madrid as the favorite for this match, with odds reflecting their strong position—1.79 for winning, 3.92 for a draw, and 4.35 for Sociedad’s victory. While Real Madrid boasts impressive records—having won their past three encounters with Sociedad—farmers are cautious as teams often rise to the occasion during fiercely competitive matches like this one.
Statistical trends indicate Sociedad's struggles against Madrid, having failed to score against them at home in four out of their last five matchups. On the other hand, Madrid's defense has proven difficult to penetrate, with both teams’ previous five encounters yielding under 2.5 goals. Yet, Sociedad’s recent form has shown promise, raising expectations for goals scored as they become more aggressive, especially at home.
Considering these recent performances, the fluidity of play expected from both teams should make for compelling viewing. Bookmakers are inclined to believe there will be goals, with betting lines favoring options like “both teams to score” or “over 2.5 goals.” This seems plausible considering Sociedad’s attacking prowess has improved significantly during the tournament.
Crucially, injuries may affect both squads as key players like Traoré and Suchić miss out for Sociedad, with Zakharian's participation still uncertain. For Madrid, injury woes continue with Carvajal and Militao on the sidelines. Ancelotti is likely to rotate his squad to preserve energy for their upcoming La Liga and Champions League fixtures.
Analysts and fans alike expect this match to be fiercely contested. Will Sociedad break their losing streak against Real Madrid? Can they capitalize on home advantage and make it to the finals? With both teams having everything at stake, the stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying semi-final full of skill, passion, and intense rivalry.
This semi-final match is pivotal not just for the teams but for the significant fan bases backing them along the way. A victory for Real Sociedad could mark the pinnacle of their season, whereas Real Madrid is focused on ensuring their storied legacy remains intact through silverware this term.
Fans can catch the live broadcast on Match TV, and they will undoubtedly tune in to see if the underdogs can upset the season’s giants or if Madrid’s experience will shine through as they march confidently toward another trophy.