In this article…
Real Sociedad v Real Madrid
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Kick Off: Wednesday 26th February at 20:30
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Competition: Copa del Rey
Having probably received the most fortunate of draws, Real Madrid will travel to Anoeta to face off with Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. En route to this stage, Madrid put 5 past both CD Minera and Celta Vigo, before scoring a last-minute winner against Leganes in what was a nervous quarter-final performance.
In La Liga their form has been a bit shaky, picking up 5 points from their last 4 games, although a pair of comfortable victories against Man City should put fans at ease.
Real Sociedad were also pretty comfortable in qualifying for this stage, scoring 13 and conceding just 1 in their 5 games up to this point. That said, a downturn in form has seen them lose 4 of their last 6 in La Liga, so they’ll have to be on their A-game if they hope to cause Madrid some trouble.
⭐ Real Sociedad v Real Madrid Best Bet
No team in La Liga have tested their respective opposition keepers more than Real Madrid, with their opponents averaging an impressive 4.12 saves per game. In 19 of their last 21 matches, including each of the last 8, the opposing goalkeeper has made at least 3 stops.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, have recorded an average of 2.56 saves per game, a figure that suggests value given the attacking quality they’ll be up against. Notably, they registered 4 saves in their last meeting with Madrid, and this bet has landed in 6 of the previous 7 encounters between these sides. Across those 7 clashes, Sociedad have averaged a substantial 4.7 saves per match.
🟢 Real Sociedad v Real Madrid #WhatOddsPaddy Tip
Madrid have been flying in recent weeks and backing them to bag first in each half is a sensible choice. They’ve found the back of the net at least twice in 17 of their last 20 matches and dispatched Real Sociedad 2-0 last time out.
Madrid have bagged 13 goals in their 3 cup matches building up to this stage, and could well put a few past Real Sociedad. One department they’re unlikely to dominate in is the cards market, with the visitors generally playing a cleaner game than Real Sociedad.
The hosts have averaged 2.44 cards per game compared to Madrid’s average of 1.44, which ranks them bottom of all teams in La Liga. Additionally, across their last 8 in the league, Sociedad have been awarded 27 cards – an average of 3.4 per game. That’s in stark contrast to Madrid who have picked up no more than 3 cards in their last 5 outings.
👕 Real Sociedad v Real Madrid Cheat Sheet

🔍 Real Sociedad v Real Madrid Players to Watch
⚪ Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe has been relentless in front of goal this season, averaging an impressive 2.37 shots on target per 90 minutes across all competitions.
This bet has landed in each of his last 8 appearances, with the Frenchman managing at least 3 shots on target in his previous 5 outings. He also tested the Sociedad goalkeeper twice in their last meeting.
⚪ Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior has been a constant attacking threat this season, averaging 3.46 shots per 90 minutes in La Liga. The Brazilian has registered at least 3 shots in each of his last 9 matches, racking up a total of 36 attempts in that period, despite that run including 2 clashes with Man City.
He also unleashed 4 shots in his last outing against Real Sociedad, and with Wednesday’s hosts conceding an average of 11.12 shots per game in La Liga, Vinicius should have no trouble clearing this line once again.
🔵 Aritz Elustundo
With an average of 1.86 fouls per game across all competitions, Elustundo looks generously priced to commit just 1 on Wednesday. The centre-back has been penalised in 5 of his last 6 appearances, racking up 13 fouls in that stretch – including at least 2 in 4 separate matches.
Over the season, he has committed at least 1 foul in nine of his 12 outings when playing 60 minutes or more. Notably, Mbappe, his most direct opponent, has drawn at least 1 foul in 7 of his last 8 games, further strengthening the case for this selection.
📂 Real Sociedad v Real Madrid Cheat Sheet

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💻 Real Sociedad v Real Madrid Form and Tactics
We could see a real battle for control here, with both teams operating best when in possession, and going to great lengths to obtain it. Only Barcelona better Real Sociedad’s incredibly low PPDA of 7.74, showcasing their high pressing intensity.
The last time these sides clashed, it made for great viewing with Real Madrid coming out 2-0 victors courtesy of 2 second-half penalties – but they certainly didn’t have it easy.
Real Sociedad hit the woodwork 3 times during the 90 and put Madrid under a lot of pressure. They operated a 4-5-1 on that occasion and despite having toyed with a 4-4-2, a 4-3-3, and even a 4-2-3-1 in recent matches, they’re likely to take a similar approach here.
🏁 Real Sociedad v Real Madrid Ref Watch
- Referee – José María Sánchez Martínez.
Average Cards (Y / R) | 5.07 / 0.07 |
Fouls Given | 26.00 |
Penalties | 0.64 |
📺 How to Watch Real Sociedad v Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey
📅 When is Real Sociedad v Real Madrid? / Wednesday, 26th February 2025, 20:30
🏟 Where is Real Sociedad v Real Madrid? / Reale Arena (San Sebastian)
📺 What TV Channel is Real Sociedad v Real Madrid on? / Premier Sports 2
🟨 …And who is the referee for Real Sociedad v Real Madrid? / José María Sánchez Martínez 🇪🇸
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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.
* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.
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