Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: When, How to Watch & Score Prediction
Real Madrid face a tough test at home today in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad – with a 1-0 lead from the first leg. But all eyes will be on the Moroccan encounter between Nayef Aguerd and Brahim Diaz.
Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT), and fans can catch the action live on SSC1 HD and L'Équipe.
Aguerd returns to Sociedad's squad list after an injury layoff. He missed their recent 2-1 win over Real Valladolid, but he is back for the Madrid game.
On the other side, Brahim Diaz is expected to feature in the starting lineup to add some creativity in midfield that could be crucial in securing their spot in the final.
Madrid, the 20-time Copa del Rey winners, don't want to wait another decade to be crowned champions. Their last win came in 2023, and before that, they last lifted the trophy in the final in 2014.
But they are in need of improvement. Their 3-2 win over Leganes showed defensive issues, and their La Liga title challenge is faltering with a seemingly unstoppable Barcelona side three points ahead.
Head Coach Carlo Ancelloti will miss Thibaut Courtois, who hasn't trained ahead of the second leg. So, Andriy Lunin will likely start in goal. The Italian tactician could rotate his squad, but players like Endrick, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo will be crucial in the attack.
Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are still out for the season, so Frederico Valverde will likely step in as a right-back to fill the gap.
Meanwhile, Sociedad's season has been underwhelming after they've struggled this year with a Europa League exit and inconsistent league form.
However, their 2-1 win over Real Valladolid last Saturday lifted them to 10th in La Liga, giving them a glimmer of hope to reach a European qualification spot.
Sociedad will rely on Ander Barrenetxea, returning from suspension, to join Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo in attack. Martin Zubimendi will be key in midfield, with interest from Madrid and Arsenal.
Predicted Lineups:
Real Madrid: Lunin, Valverde, Asencio, Alaba, Fran Garcia, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Bellingham, Vinicius, Brahim Diaz, Mbappe.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Aihen, Zubimendi, Sucic, Turrientes, Kubo, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal.
Score Prediction
Despite their flaws, Madrid's attacking firepower should be enough to see them through to the final.
Verdict: Real Madrid 2-0 Real Sociedad Tags: Copa del ReyReal Madridreal sociedad
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