Real Sociedad and Real Madrid are set to face off in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:30 PM CET.
Match Preview
Real Sociedad enters this crucial encounter with a strong home record, having won their last five matches at the Reale Arena. In the quarter-finals, they secured a 2-0 victory over Osasuna, showcasing their defensive solidity and attacking prowess.
Real Madrid, under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, also arrives in good form. They demonstrated resilience in the quarter-finals by overcoming Leganés with a 3-2 comeback win and recently defeated Girona 2-0 in La Liga. However, the team will face this semi-final without key players such as Federico Valverde, Thibaut Courtois, and Kylian Mbappé, who are unavailable for this match. The expected lineup includes Lunin, Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, Fran García, Tchouaméni, Ceballos, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinícius, and Brahim.
Key Players to Watch
- Takefusa Kubo: The Japanese international has been pivotal for Real Sociedad this season. Notably, in matches where Kubo scores, the team remains unbeaten, with 19 wins and one draw. His performance against his former club could be decisive in determining the outcome of the match.
- Jude Bellingham: The English midfielder has been a standout performer for Real Madrid, contributing significantly to both defensive duties and offensive transitions. His ability to control the midfield and link up play will be crucial in the absence of other key players.
Broadcast Information
For fans eager to watch the match, it will be broadcast on RTVE and streamed on ESPN+. The game will commence at 9:30 PM CET (3:30 PM EST).
This semi-final clash promises an intense battle between two of Spain’s top clubs, each aiming to secure an advantage ahead of the second leg. With both teams showcasing strong performances this season, fans can anticipate a thrilling encounter at the Reale Arena.
