On February 26, 2025, Real Sociedad is poised to clash with Real Madrid at the Reale Arena during the first semifinal of the Copa del Rey. Kickoff is scheduled for 23:30 MSK, promising excitement for football fans eager for high-stakes action.
Real Sociedad has entered this match with remarkable confidence, recently showcasing their prowess by winning five out of their last six encounters. Their latest victory was against Leganés, where they delivered a strong performance, securing a 3-0 win. This success was marked by key contributions from players like Zacharyan, who is anticipated to shine again, especially considering his significant role during the team’s recent triumphs.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is determined to assert its dominance as it continues to fight for trophies on multiple fronts. After facing some challenges, including only two points gained from their last three La Liga matches, they recently got back on track with a 2-0 victory against Girona. This win also marked the end of a dry spell for Vinicius, who hadn't scored since November. The squad's ability to rotate players effectively under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti will be pivotal as they navigate through this fixture.
The historical statistics paint an interesting picture; Real Sociedad has had the upper hand at home, winning 11 out of their last 13 official matches at the Reale Arena. Yet, they face stiff competition from Madrid, who have consistently triumphed over Sociedad, winning the last three matchups, including their last encounter with a 2-0 scoreline at the same venue this season.
Experts believe the fixture will be tightly contested with both teams expected to engage actively. With Sociedad’s attacking capabilities at home, combined with Madrid’s skilled offense, fans might witness both teams exchanging goals. The odds reflect this sentiment, with many analysts recommending bets on both teams to score and the likelihood of the total goals exceeding 2.5.
Interestingly, recent trends highlight numerous occurrences of matches concluding with low goal totals when these teams meet, which adds another layer of unpredictability to the match. Both sides have demonstrated strong defensive structures, which could culminate in fewer goals than expected.
Looking at the lineup, Sociedad will miss players like Traore and Sucic due to injuries, yet their squad depth remains impressive. On the other hand, Real Madrid will be adjusting their roster, potentially featuring Lunin as goalkeeper and welcoming back key players like Jude Bellingham after his recent absence. These changes could significantly impact the match's dynamics as they prepare to challenge each other.
Real Madrid’s rich history and depth give them the edge as evidenced by most as favorites to win—estimated around 51.2%. Contrastingly, bookmakers assess Sociedad’s chance of victory at 23.2%, with the likelihood of the match ending in a draw hovering around 25.6%. This discrepancy underlines the perceived gulf between the two teams, though many believe Sociedad’s home advantage could prove decisive.
With the intensity of the semifinal clash at play, fans can expect not only thrilling football but also high emotions. Given Sociedad's strong track record at home and the stakes at hand, they will be playing for more than just pride—it’s about reaching the final to capture what has eluded them for years.
Overall, whether as fans, gamblers, or analysts, there's no denying the excitement surrounding this upcoming Copa del Rey semifinal. The anticipation of seeing if Real Madrid can maintain their winning streak or if Real Sociedad can rise to keep their trophy hopes alive makes this matchup one to watch.