Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Copa del Rey Preview: Start Time, Team News, How To Watch & Live Stream

Real Madrid travel to San Sebastian to face Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at the Reale Arena on Wednesday.

Youngster Gonzalo García was the hero last time out in the cup for Madrid, scoring a stoppage-time winner against Leganés after Madrid had squandered a 2-0 first-half lead.

Real Sociedad beat a ten-man Osasuna side 2-0 in the quarter-finals to set up the tie. Despite an underwhelming league campaign, sitting 9th in La Liga, the three-time Copa del Rey winners have been strong in the cup competitions. The Europa League round-of-16 beckons for Imana Alguacil's side, coming up against Manchester United in March.

When the sides faced each other in the league, two penalties helped Real Madrid secure all three points, beating the Basque side by two goals to nil.

MORE: Transcript: Carlo Ancelotti's Press Conference Ahead Of Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid In The Copa Del Rey

Real Madrid Team News vs Real Sociedad

Rotation is expected from Carlo Ancelotti, with Endrick and Arda Gukler possibly getting the chance to feature.

It was revealed that Fede Valverde played through injury during the clash with Manchester City last week and was rested at the weekend, missing his first game all season. He remains a doubt, but Ancelotti said he could play on Wednesday.

🚨🤍 Fede Valverde played as starter at RB against Manchester City after received injections and needles to play.

Fede forced himself as he wanted to be part of the squad despite not being in best shape.

Captain mentality. pic.twitter.com/j4hEoy8Krw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2025

Kylian Mbappe missed training due to a tooth extraction but will travel and be available. Thibaut Courtois, however, won't travel and has not played in the Copa del Rey all season. Andriy Lunin is expected to start in goal.

Despite his La Liga suspension, Jude Bellingham will be available to Carlo Ancelotti.

👀🔜 Copa del Rey pic.twitter.com/SZdIHCDKwm
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 25, 2025

Real Sociedad is experiencing somewhat of a defensive injury crisis. Centre-backs Jon Pacheco and Igor Zubeldia are currently out injured, and Nayef Aguerd limped off over the weekend. 18-year-old Jon Martin replaced the Algerian and could be in line to start against Los Blancos