Football returns to the Santiago Bernabéu this Tuesday for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad. The Whites took a narrow lead in the first leg (1-0) but everything is still to play for at the Santiago Bernabéu.
This Saturday both teams played their league matches, emerging victorious from their encounters to now calmly approach the cup tie. As for Real Madrid, two goals from Kylian Mbappé, with a soft Panenka-style penalty and a great strike from a set piece, along with a goal from Jude Bellingham, spurred a vital comeback (2-3) for Real Madrid, which leaves the fight for LaLiga EA Sports head-to-head with Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad beat Real Valladolid 2-1 on Saturday without too much fuss and with the feeling that the three points were in danger at times. With that result, Imanol Alguacil’s side climb to ninth position in the table with 38 points.
The 0-1 win for Real Madrid in the first leg, as well as the fact of playing at the Bernabéu, in front of their home crowd, gives the Whites an advantage in their bid to reach the final. Even so, Imanol’s team has fond memories of their last cup night at the Bernabéu, which helped them to eliminate Real Madrid on their way to their last trophy, which they won in a final behind closed doors against Athletic due to coronavirus restrictions.
Ancelotti, no last-minute surprises
After the match against Leganés, there were no surprises when Real Madrid returned to work. Courtois trained inside the facilities. Mendy and Ceballos continue with their recovery processes. Also missing are the long-term injured Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao.
Possible Real Madrid XI
Goalkeeper: Lunin
Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy
Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Aurélién Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Vinícius Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo.
Imanol regains players
Imanol has recovered Barrenetxea and Aguerd for the Bernabéu, but not yet Óskarsson. The reserve team player, suspended, and the Moroccan, with discomfort, did not play against Valladolid but will go to the Bernabéu, something in doubt with the Icelandic player. Jon Pacheco has completed a new session and it remains to be seen if Imanol considers him ready to be included in the squad, after more than a month and a half out.
Possible Real Sociedad starting XI
Goalkeeper: Álex Remiro
Defenders: Javi López, Aritz Elustondo, Igor Zubeldía, Hamary Traoré
Midfielders: Martín Zubimendi, Sergio Gómez, Pablo Marín, Jon Ander Olasagasti
Forwards: Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal