Copa del Rey: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Preview – April 1, 2025

Copa del Rey: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Preview – April 1, 2025



The Copa del Rey quarterfinals bring an exciting matchup as Real Madrid take on Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabรฉu on April 1, 2025. With both teams aiming for silverware, this fixture promises high stakes, drama, and top-quality football.

Real Madrid, the record holders of the Copa del Rey, are determined to reclaim the trophy, while Real Sociedad, a team that has caused major upsets in the past, will look to do so again.

 

Match Details

  • Fixture: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad
  • Competition: Copa del Rey – Quarterfinals
  • Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
  • Kick-Off Time: 21:00 CET / 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET
  • Venue: Santiago Bernabรฉu, Madrid, Spain
  • Broadcast & Live Stream:
    • Spain: Movistar+, RTVE
    • UK: Premier Sports
    • USA: ESPN+, FuboTV
    • Worldwide: Various official broadcasters

 

Team News & Injury Updates

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have been one of the most dominant teams in Spain this season and are chasing success on multiple fronts, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti is likely to rotate his squad, but he will still field a strong lineup to ensure progression to the semifinals.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Thibaut Courtois – Out (ACL injury)
  • ร‰der Militรฃo – Out (knee injury)
  • Ferland Mendy – Doubtful (muscle injury)
  • Dani Carvajal – Suspended

Key Players:

  • Jude Bellingham – The midfield powerhouse and Madrid’s top scorer this season.
  • Vinรญcius Jr. – Lightning-fast winger, crucial in Madrid’s attacking transitions.
  • Rodrygo Goes – Flair and creativity on the right flank.
  • Toni Kroos – Midfield maestro, controlling the tempo of the game.

With Carvajal suspended, Madrid will need defensive stability, while their attacking quality remains their biggest strength.

 




Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad have been one of La Liga’s most consistent teams in recent seasons. Under Imanol Alguacil, they play a well-structured attacking style, blending youthful energy with experienced heads.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Mikel Merino – Doubtful (ankle injury)
  • Aritz Elustondo – Out (hamstring injury)
  • Takefusa Kubo – Fit but might not start after recent fatigue concerns

Key Players:

  • Mikel Oyarzabal – Captain and attacking leader, a goal threat.
  • Takefusa Kubo – Creative spark, dangerous from wide areas.
  • Martรญn Zubimendi – Midfield enforcer, key to Sociedad’s possession play.
  • Robin Le Normand – Rock at the back, tasked with stopping Madrid’s attack.

Sociedad will aim to play possession-based football while staying compact defensively against Madrid’s dangerous forwards.

 

Possible Lineups

Real Madrid (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin
Defenders: Lucas Vรกzquez, Antonio Rรผdiger, Nacho Fernรกndez, Fran Garcรญa
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Rodrygo, Vinรญcius Jr., Joselu

With Carvajal suspended and Courtois injured, Ancelotti may use Lucas Vรกzquez at right-back while resting Modriฤ‡ for this cup tie.

Real Sociedad (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: รlex Remiro
Defenders: Hamari Traorรฉ, Robin Le Normand, Igor Zubeldia, Aihen Muรฑoz
Midfielders: Martรญn Zubimendi, Brais Mรฉndez, Ander Barrenetxea
Forwards: Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Umar Sadiq

Sociedad will likely rotate some players but keep a strong core midfield and attack to challenge Madrid.

 

Head-to-Head Record

Real Madrid and Real Sociedad have had competitive encounters in the Copa del Rey and La Liga over the years.

  • Last 5 Meetings:
    • Real Sociedad 0-2 Real Madrid (La Liga, 2024)
    • Real Madrid 2-1 Real Sociedad (La Liga, 2023)
    • Real Sociedad 1-1 Real Madrid (La Liga, 2023)
    • Real Madrid 0-2 Real Sociedad (Copa del Rey, 2020)
    • Real Madrid 3-1 Real Sociedad (La Liga, 2020)

Real Sociedad stunned Madrid in the Copa del Rey back in 2020, and they will be looking for a similar upset at the Bernabรฉu.

 

Tactical Battle

Real Madrid’s Approach:

  • Attacking Possession: Madrid will look to control the game and use their wingers (Vinรญcius and Rodrygo) to stretch Sociedad’s defense.
  • Midfield Dominance: Bellingham and Kroos will be key in creating chances.
  • Defensive Stability: With key defenders missing, Madrid must be cautious of Sociedad’s counterattacks.

Real Sociedad’s Approach:

  • Compact Defense: Sociedad will play a structured defensive shape, limiting space for Madrid’s attackers.
  • Quick Transitions: With Kubo and Oyarzabal, Sociedad will break quickly when they win the ball.
  • Set-Piece Threat: They will target Madrid’s defensive weaknesses on set pieces.

The match will be a test of Madrid’s attacking firepower vs. Sociedad’s disciplined structure.

 

Prediction

Real Madrid are strong favorites, but Real Sociedad are capable of causing an upset. Madrid’s firepower in attack should give them the edge.

Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Real Sociedad

  • Goalscorers:
    • Vinรญcius Jr. & Bellingham (Real Madrid)
    • Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)

Madrid’s depth and experience should help them edge past Sociedad in a tight contest.

 

How to Watch the Match Live

TV Broadcast:

  • Spain: Movistar+, RTVE
  • UK: Premier Sports
  • USA: ESPN+, FuboTV
  • Worldwide: Various official broadcasters

Live Streaming:

  • Available via Movistar+, RTVE Play, ESPN+, FuboTV, and other streaming platforms.

 

Conclusion

The Copa del Rey quarterfinals are set for an exciting encounter between two talented sides.

  • Will Real Madrid’s star power prove too much for Real Sociedad?
  • Can Sociedad pull off another famous Copa del Rey upset?

Expect a thrilling, high-intensity match at the Santiago Bernabรฉu on April 1, 2025!