Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Real Madrid make the journey to San Sebastian on Wednesday evening to play the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final with Real Sociedad.

Madrid needed a 93rd-minute winner in the previous round to overcome Leganes but are now within striking distance of their 21st Copa del Rey crown - most recently winning the competition in 2022/23. Unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, they are seeking a third consecutive victory at Reale Arena that will offer them a cushion to take back to the capital for the second leg.

Real Sociedad have won the cup three times before - including once in 1909 under a different name - last lifting the trophy aloft in the coronavirus-affected 2019/20 campaign. They are the underdogs of the four remaining teams - Barcelona and Atletico Madrid contesting the other semi-final - but head into the fixture having rediscovered their form following a shaky start to the calendar year.

Here is 90min's guide to the first leg battle.

What time does Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid kick-off?

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid head-to-head results (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid on TV - UK & US

Real Sociedad team news

Nayef Aguerd was injured at the weekend / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

Nayef Agyuerd was injured in Real Sociedad's 3-0 win over Leganes at the weekend and the former West Ham United centre-back is now unlikely to feature against Madrid.

He joins fellow defenders Jon Pacheco and Hamari Traore in the treatment room but the good news for Imanol Alguacil is that Igor Zubeldia returns from suspension.

Luka Sucic is absent for the midweek clash and Arsen Zakharyan is a doubt after being withdrawn at half-time during the weekend victory. Sheraldo Becker returns from his suspension, though.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Real Madrid

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-1-4-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Munoz; Zubimendi; Kubo, Marin, Olasagasti, Gomez; Oyarzabal.

Real Madrid team news

Federico Valverde could be rested / Diego Souto/GettyImages

Madrid remain without long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao but have welcomed back the likes of Lucas Vazquez, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger in recent matches.

Jude Bellingham will return midweek as well given his two-game La Liga suspension doesn't apply to the Copa del Rey. However, he will be absent for Saturday's clash with Real Betis.

Federico Valverde was an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Girona at the weekend and will miss out in San Sebastian due to a hamstring issue he has been playing through in recent weeks.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Lunin; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, F. Garcia; Tchouameni, Ceballos; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid score prediction

Madrid will be obvious favourites for Wednesday's clash and for good reason. They have already won in San Sebastian this season and have lost just one of their last ten duels in this fixture. With Carlo Ancelotti's side in strong form and boasting some sensational attacking talent, it's hard to look beyond victory for Los Blancos.

Real Sociedad are also in confident mood after five wins from their last six and have the capacity to make life difficult for their visitors. They realistically need to take a positive result into the second leg but will be hard pushed to avoid defeat.