Real Madrid take on the visitors Real Sociedad in the second leg of Copa del Rey semifinals. First leg result: 1-0. The match will be played on Tuesday, April 1st at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid).
Real Madrid faces a tight schedule with no room for error. Los Blancos have long set the bar at its highest level. Just like last season, when they secured not only the Spanish Super Cup but, more importantly, an early La Liga title and yet another Champions League triumph. Their current trophies—the UEFA Super Cup and the revived Intercontinental Cup—fail to impress, especially after their humiliating defeat to Barcelona in January’s Spanish Super Cup. To ensure Ancelotti’s future at the club, he needs to either defend their Champions League crown—where they’ve already knocked out Manchester City and Atlético Madrid but are still only in the quarterfinals—or maintain their lead in La Liga. Following a narrow 3-2 win over Leganés, they still hold a three-point lead at the top. However, they also have Copa del Rey ambitions, and thanks to Lunin’s reliable performances, they secured a 1-0 first-leg semifinal victory in San Sebastián. Despite their packed schedule, Madrid has remained relentless, winning five consecutive matches across all competitions.
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Real Sociedad have been under Imanol Alguacil’s guidance for quite some time. A Copa del Rey triumph, a fourth-place finish in La Liga, and topping their Champions League group—all happened under his tenure. However, last season, they dropped to sixth in the final standings, and things have only gotten worse this term. The team now loses far more often than it wins, particularly in recent weeks. At least they managed to beat relegation-threatened Valladolid 2-1 after the international break. Their struggles in La Liga have been somewhat offset by deep runs in other competitions. However, in the Europa League, they ran into Manchester United, and despite the English side’s own problems, Sociedad couldn't keep up—drawing away before a comprehensive defeat at Old Trafford. Now, in the Copa del Rey, they have no choice but to win in Madrid, but their recent away form—just one win in their last six road games—suggests that will be a daunting challenge.
Los Blancos have won four consecutive matches against Sociedad, keeping clean sheets in three of them. The Merengues should once again prove their superiority at home, especially given that their opponents are unlikely to believe in a comeback in the capital. Back Lunin and company to win with a -1 handicap.
Prediction for the match: Real Madrid to win with -1.0 handicap.
