Real Sociedad - Real Madrid 26-02-2025

The build-up to a big match between two in-form teams is underway, in the imminent semi-final of the Copa del Rey, with the first match at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián on February 26, 2025 and the return match at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 1. And can the home team surprise here?

Are Real Sociedad really in form, you might be wondering? Yes, they absolutely are. They have been very impressive at home this season and will do everything they can to create an uncomfortable evening for Real Madrid.

Real Sociedad – strong at home in the Basque Country

Real Sociedad have shown great strength at home, winning 11 of their last 13 in all competitions. They have scored 27 goals and conceded just seven, making them a difficult opponent in San Sebastián. The Reale Arena has truly been a fortress, and the team has had a knack for turning close games in their favour.

In the Copa del Rey, they eliminated Osasuna in the quarter-finals and are coming off a convincing 3-0 home win over Leganés, giving the team confidence heading into the semi-finals. The Cup is known for its surprises, and Real Sociedad have often been a team that can cause problems for the big clubs in Spain.

Among the attacking players, Takefusa Kubo is a key player with five goals this season. He was substituted after 65 minutes against Leganés and will be fresh for this match. His technique, pace and ability to create chances will be crucial for Real Sociedad. In addition, Gomez in attack and Lopez in defence will play important roles, as they have done all season.

Another important aspect is the team's defensive organisation. They have conceded few goals at home, and much of this is due to a compact defence and a disciplined midfield. This will be important against Real Madrid, who have one of the most dangerous attacks in Europe.

Real Madrid – fighting on several fronts

Real Madrid have had a solid season, including an impressive win over Manchester City in the Champions League, where Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick, and they also won 2-0 against Girona last weekend, showing that they are in good form in La Liga as well.

In the Copa del Rey, they reached the semi-finals with a dramatic 3-2 win over Leganés, with Torres scoring the winner in three minutes of injury time. After leading 2-0, they conceded two quick goals, exposing some defensive weaknesses in the cup competition. This shows that they can be vulnerable if they don't keep up the intensity throughout the match.

Real Madrid are without defenders Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão due to injuries. This could pose challenges in their defensive game, especially against a team like Real Sociedad, who like to attack on the wings. However, in attack they will rely on stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, both of whom have been in excellent form this season.

Real Madrid's midfield will also be crucial. With players like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Modric, they have the creativity and physicality to dominate midfield, but they will have to be prepared for Real Sociedad's high pressing and quick counterattacks.

Therefore, we believe in a surprise

In the last league meeting between these teams, on September 14, 2024, Real Madrid won 2-0 at the Reale Arena, with goals from Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé – both on penalties.

But now it's the cup, and Real Sociedad have proven to be a strong home team this season. The question is how much Real Madrid will put into this match. Their ambition is to win the cup, but they also have the Champions League and La Liga to think about. Ancelotti may have to start rotating the team to rest key players.

Real Madrid have Atlético Madrid right behind them in the table and are level with Barcelona, ​​making prioritization important. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, have a golden opportunity to take home the Copa del Rey. This could be their only chance at a title this season, and they will bet everything on this match.

They have met 19 times before in the cup, with nine wins for each team and one draw. Real Sociedad will be hoping to take advantage of their home-field advantage to secure a good starting point before the return leg in Madrid. It will be a match where tactics, mentality and physicality will play a big role.

This semi-final looks set to be an intense and exciting duel over two games. There is no doubt that we have a lot to look forward to, and we dare say that the gang from San Sebastián will be left with something:

Spain: at 21:30: Real Sociedad - Real Madrid: 1X (2.05)

Alternative game;

Spain: at 21:30: Real Sociedad - Real Madrid: Real Sociedad win (4.35)