Will Copa Bring Joy for the Basque or the Capital?

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid

If the form guide is anything to go by, the first leg of this Copa del Rey semi-final could be a thriller.

Real Sociedad have won five of their past six matches and now they are just two games from another showpiece in the competition they won four years ago (the delayed 2020 final) which was their first success in the cup for 34 years.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid want their own taste of Copa del Rey 2025 highlights as they continue to chase glory on all fronts.

This first leg in San Sebastian (the second leg is not due to be played until April 1) provides a chance for the victors to claim an initial advantage and, in the hosts’ case, try and ensure the trophy stays in the Basque country.

 

Talking Points 

Sociedad were far too strong for Leganes in La Liga on Sunday night when they recorded a 3-0 success to move up to eighth in the table and just a point off a possible European berth.

Imanol Alguacil’s men took the lead thanks to a superb individual goal from Arsen Zakharyan before fine second half goals from Takefusa Kubo and Jon Ander Olasagasti rounded off a one-sided evening in San Sebastian.

Their only downside was an injury to centre-back Nayef Aguerd.

The Moroccan international has been a regular for Alguacil following his summer loan move from Premier League side West Ham United but he was forced off in the first half against Leganes and reports suggest he will miss out in this one due to a muscular issue.

They may be without Aguerd but with talents such as Mikel Oyarzabal, the in-demand Martin Zubimendi and Takefusa Kubo in their ranks, Sociedad can certainly be a threat at home and in Europe this season (they will meet Manchester United in the last 16 of the Europa League).

Of course, Madrid are almost nearly always a threat wherever they play on planet football and have shown as such in their last two matches over the last week.

The way they swatted aside English champions Manchester City in the Champions League in midweek, thanks to some Kylian Mbappe magic, was a case in point.

They then saw off spirited Girona with a bit to spare at home over the weekend to stay at the summit of La Liga, behind leaders Barcelona only on goal difference.

The ageless Luka Modric opened the scoring in that game by controlling the ball on his chest and smashing in a half-volley from 25 yards.

Vinicius Junior wrapped up the three points with a composed finish after being played through by Mbappe seven minutes from time.

This SBOTOP writer rarely goes against Madrid and I am not now, although I think the tie will remain in the balance after the first leg.

 

History

Sociedad have only one win over Real in their last 10 encounters.

It came at the tail end of 2022-23 as second half goals from Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea sealed a 2-0 home win which helped Sociedad seal a top four spot against the eventual runners-up.

Real secured a double last season on their way to reclaiming the title.

After Barrenetxea had given Sociedad a surprise lead, goals from Federico Valverde and Joselu early in the second half turned the match around.

The corresponding fixture in San Sebastian was settled by a solitary first half goal from Arda Guler.

The league meeting on Sociedad turf earlier this season ended with a 2-0 victory for the Spanish champions with second half penalties from Vinicius and Mbappe.

Sociedad have caused the odd upset against the mighty Madrid on more than one occasion though.

That included a Copa del Rey success at the Bernabeu in 2020 when Mikel Merino grabbed the winner and was joined on the scoresheet by Alexander Isak (two) and Martin Ødegaard in a thrilling 4-3 win.

Overall, Madrid have 100 wins against Sociedad with 42 draws and 38 successes for the boys from the Basque region.

 

Betting Tip 

It’s Madrid all the way with the Copa del Rey 2025 betting odds as you can back Carlo Ancelotti’s men both 1X2 @ 1.83 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.11.

Sociedad are on offer 1X2 @ 3.88 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.08.

A re-run of their meeting earlier this season is available with Correct Score 0-2 @ 8.80 and their last cup clash, that seven goal thriller, at a whopping @ 250.00. I am going to go for honours even after the first leg and a ** prediction of 1X2 Draw @ 3.36.

   

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