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Copa del Rey Semifinals: Real Madrid Faces Tough Test Against Real Sociedad
Real Madrid, currently riding high atop LaLiga alongside Barcelona and fresh off their Champions League Round of 16 qualification, now sets their sights on the coveted Copa del Rey. Their semi-final clash against a formidable Real Sociedad promises to be a thrilling two-legged affair, testing the mettle of Carlo Ancelotti's squad.
The Matchup: Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid
The first leg of this crucial tie takes place at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián on Wednesday, February 26th, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. ET. The return leg is scheduled for April 1st at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. Real Sociedad, winners of the Copa del Rey in 2020, will be eager to upset the reigning champions, who boast a record 20 Copa del Rey titles, most recently in 2023. This match presents a fascinating clash of styles and ambitions.
Real Sociedad's Challenge: A Defining Fortnight
Real Sociedad faces a demanding 15-day period, starting with this Copa del Rey semi-final. They then face a critical LaLiga match against Barcelona, followed by a Europa League Round of 16 showdown against Manchester United. Manager Imanol Alguacil will need to carefully manage his squad's fitness and rotation, especially considering key players like Mikel Oyarzabal and Arsen Zakharyan's injury statuses.
Real Madrid's Strength: Renewed Form and Depth
Real Madrid has rediscovered their form after a shaky start to the season. The attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo is firing on all cylinders, supported by the midfield creativity of Jude Bellingham and Brahim Díaz. The return of key defenders David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger further strengthens their backline, making them a formidable opponent. While the Champions League might be their primary focus, the allure of a potential final against either Barcelona or Atlético Madrid will undoubtedly motivate them in this Copa del Rey challenge.
Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid: Prediction and Odds
While Real Madrid are the favorites (-110 moneyline odds), Real Sociedad's home advantage and recent form at the Reale Arena (11 wins in their last 13 competitive home games) make this a difficult match to predict definitively. The over/under for the match is set at 2.5 goals (-125o/+100u). A safe bet could be a parlay combining Real Madrid to win and under 2.5 goals, offering a potentially higher payout.
The recent 4-4 draw between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg highlights the unpredictability of this competition and suggests that both legs of this Real Sociedad-Real Madrid tie will be nothing short of captivating.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Semi-Final
The Copa del Rey semi-final between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams possessing the quality and determination to progress to the final. The first leg in San Sebastián will set the tone for what is sure to be a thrilling two-legged contest. Don't miss the action!
