Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad

Real Madrid will take a step closer to the Copa del Rey final when they host Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu on Tuesday night for the second leg of their semi-final clash.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side holds a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg in February, thanks to a 19th-minute strike from Brazilian sensation Endrick.

Despite a tense 3-2 La Liga win over Leganés on Saturday—where Kylian Mbappé scored twice—Madrid remains firmly in the hunt for silverware on multiple fronts. They are level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga (though the Catalans have since extended their lead to three points after a 4-1 victory over Girona).

In addition to their domestic ambitions, Los Blancos are also eyeing Champions League glory, with a quarter-final clash against Arsenal looming on April 8. While La Liga and Europe remain top priorities, Madrid is in a strong position to reach the Copa del Rey final, a competition they have won 20 times—third-most in history behind Barcelona (31) and Athletic Bilbao (24). However, they’ve lifted the trophy just once since 2014.

As for Real Sociedad, the Basque club has struggled in La Liga this season, sitting 10th with just 38 points from 29 games. Their Copa del Rey campaign has been a bright spot, having last won the competition in 2020—their first triumph since 1987.

Can La Real overturn the deficit at the Bernabéu, or will Madrid book their place in the final? The stage is set for a thrilling encounter.

Real Sociedad has won the Copa del Rey twice, the last time in 2019-20, which was their first victory in the competition since 1987.

La Real are experiencing a poor La Liga season, presently lying in 10th place in the table with 38 points from 29 matches, and are only two points ahead of Getafe in 12th.

Imanol Alguacil's team will come into this encounter fresh off a 2-1 victory against Real Valladolid on Saturday, although it was their first wins in any tournament since February 23.

Real Sociedad have lost five of their past six domestic away games, and they have not beaten Real Madrid in La Liga at the Bernabeu since January 2019.

However, the Basque side did win the Copa del Rey 4-3 at the Bernabeu in February 2020, and the fact that Real Madrid is focused elsewhere may give the visitors an edge on Tuesday night.

Real Madrid is likely to have Thibaut Courtois available after the team's number one goalkeeper was ruled out against Leganes due to muscle tiredness, but Andriy Lunin is the Copa del Rey goalie, thus the number two will get another start.

Real Sociedad's Brais Mendez is doubtful due to a foot injury, while Nayef Aguerd, Sheraldo Becker, Arsen Zakharyan, and Jon Pacheco might also miss the second leg of the semi-final.