Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid

Reale Arena is the venue as Real Sociedad and Real Madrid go head-to-head in the first leg of their exciting Copa del Rey semi-final tie.

Fresh off a 3-0 thrashing of La Liga minnows Leganes at the weekend, Real Sociedad entertain Real Madrid, hoping to evoke the memory of a 4-3 quarter-final win in 2019/20, which was the last time they won the Copa title. Replicating that success will be easier said than done, considering Imanol Alguacil’s charges have only won three of their last 18 H2H meetings in San Sebastian (D3, L12). However, they head into proceedings amid a promising five-game winning streak on home turf and could make it six wins in a row at the Reale Arena for the first time in five years. A strong start would likely help, with Sociedad finding the net inside 25 minutes in five of their last six outings.

On the other hand, goals on either side of halftime saw Real Madrid beat Girona 2-0 at home to stay firmly in contention for a second consecutive La Liga title, ending a dismal run of three successive league matches without winning (D2, L1). Seeking their 21st Copa title, ‘Los Blancos’ take this trip in high spirits after avoiding defeat in their last six competitive matches (W4, D2). Furthermore, manager Carlo Ancelotti has enjoyed facing Real Sociedad, perhaps best witnessed by his eye-catching H2H record (W8, D1, L2) against them. As if that’s not comforting enough, the visitors have only lost one road fixture since mid-December (W8, D2).