Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid: Match preview | OneFootball

Real Madrid are on the road again after two straight victories at the Santiago Bernabeu against Manchester City and Girona. The Whites travel to the Reale Arena on Wednesday, February 26th, to take on Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at 21:30 local time. They will be looking to bring home a positive result to the Bernabeu ahead of the decisive bout on April 1st.

In their previous outing in the cup competition, Los Blancos knocked out Leganes at the Butarque. Luka Modric, Endrick and Gonzalo Garcia were on target as they earned a stoppage-time win. Prior to the end the Pepineros’ campaign, Real Madrid saw off Celta Vigo and Deportivo Minera.

La Reale are by far their biggest challenge in the competition so far with two matches between them and the Kings Cup final.

Real Sociedad, who come into the game with four wins in their last five matches, have already played five times in the domestic cup so far. Their route to the semi-final required them to overcome Jove Espanol, Conquense, Ponferradina, Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna.

They have conceded only one goal in the competition, which is a testament of their strong defensive attributes which the Vikings will put to the test.

Real Madrid are expected to be without Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao for the game, while Federico Valverde as well as Thibaut Courtois are likely to be rested. After some key players had time off against Girona at the weekend, a strong starting eleven is likely to be fielded nevertheless. It remains to be seen if Arda Guler or Endrick, the team’s lesser used players are called into action in San Sebastian.

Real Sociedad will be without Nayef Aguerd, Hamari Traore, Jon Pacheco and Luka Sucic. Sucic is undoubtedly the most noteworthy absentee for Imanol Alguacil’s side, though it is expected for him to return for the second leg. Sociedad’s offensive threat is likely to come through Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal, both players who Los Merengues know very well and will do their best to keep at bay.

The first leg of the other semi-final, between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, ended in a highly entertaining 4-4 draw last night. The final of the Copa del Rey is scheduled for April 26th and Real Madrid will look to take the first step towards the game at Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium by overcoming Sociedad.