Good evening everybody and welcome to another MARCA in English live blog, this time taking you through the Copa del Rey clash between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid at the Reale Arena.
The hosts last lifted the trophy in 2019-20, overcoming Athletic Club in a Basque derby final that was delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that victory took place behind closed doors, meaning Sociedad has not celebrated a Copa del Rey title in front of their supporters since their 1986-87 penalty shootout win over Atlético Madrid.
LaReal navigated their way to the semi-finals with victories over Jove Español, Conquense, Ponferradina, and Rayo Vallecano, before defeating Osasuna 2-0 in the quarter-finals with goals from Ander Barrenetxea and Brais Méndez. Their strong form has continued, winning five of their last six matches, including a dominant 3-0 victory against Leganés in LaLiga.
Los Blancos began their cup campaign with wins over Deportivo Minera and Celta Vigo, followed by a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leganés in the quarter-finals. A late winner from Gonzalo García, scoring his first senior goal, secured their spot in the last four.
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid LIVE – Latest Updates
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid – Team News
Real Sociedad will be without Hamari Traoré, Luka Sui, and Jon Pacheco due to injuries, while Nayef Aguerd was forced off against Leganés and is also unavailable. Zakharyan, who made his first LaLiga start of the season, is doubtful after being withdrawn at halftime with a minor issue. However, Igor Zubeldia and Sheraldo Becker return from suspension and could feature.
For Madrid, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Federico Valverde could be rested after sitting out against Girona. Jude Bellingham is set to return after serving the first match of his two-game La Liga suspension. Andriy Lunin, who has played in all three of Madrid’s cup fixtures, is expected to start in goal, with Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García, and Dani Ceballos all in contention for places in the lineup
Real Sociedad possible starting XI: Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Lopez; Zubimendi; Kubo, Olasagasti, Marin, Gomez; Oyarzabal
Real Madrid possible starting XI: Lunin; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia; Ceballos, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe
Where to watch Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid?
For football fans eager to catch the Copa del Rey clash between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid, the match will be accessible through different channels in the USA and the UK.
In the United States, viewers can tune in to ESPN+, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the Copa del Rey matches. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the match will be available on Premier Sports 2.
What time does Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid start?
The eagerly anticipated Copa del Rey match between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid is scheduled to kick off at 21:30 CET local time in Spain.
Viewers on the US East Coast can tune in at 15:30 ET for the live action. For those on the West Coast, the match starts at 12:30 PT. Football enthusiasts in the UK can catch the game starting at 20:30 GMT.
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