Prediction: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: 888sport

Real Madrid and Real Sociedad will determine one of the Copa del Rey semifinalists on Thursday. These two sides will meet at Santiago Bernabeu and while Los Merengues are favourites on paper, Sociedad are more than capable of pulling the upset. Kick-off for this match is scheduled at 18:00 GMT.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have played just two matches in the Copa del Rey thus far, and they have won both while netting over 2.5 goals in each of those contests. They began their campaign with a 3-1 win over Unionistas, and later posted a huge 4-0 win over Real Zaragoza. But the level of opposition will increase drastically here, meaning Los Merengues will probably field a stronger team in this matchup. Manager Zinedine Zidane knows the Copa del Rey isn’t the team’s biggest priority and, with the UEFA Champions League knockout stages right around the corner, the French tactician might not risk some players while also trying to rotate the squad a bit if possible. Los Merengues should be favourites here, but they can’t take Sociedad for granted here. But knowing they also sit at the top of the Liga standings, Real Madrid won’t take too many risks.

Team News

Real Madrid should be depleted on the attacking since they have several forwards injured.

Eden Hazard (ankle), Gareth Bale (ankle), Mariano Diaz (undisclosed) and Mario Asensio (knee) have all been ruled for this contest.

Real Sociedad

Unlike their opponents here, Real Sociedad have far more Copa del Rey matches under their belts since they have already played four times while performing on an impressive level. Los Donostiarras began their Copa del Rey campaign with an 8-0 win over Becerril, and continued their run with a 4-0 victory at Ceuta. The, Real Sociedad topped Espanyol (2-0) and dispatched Osasuna in the Round of 16 (3-1). Playing against Real Madrid is always tough and especially if they have to do it at Santiago Bernabeu, but Sociedad have been impressive in the Copa del Rey. They have score 17 goals while conceding just once – that happened in their previous game against Osasuna. Real Sociedad have enough talent to pull the upset here. Can they accomplish that goal?

Team News

Defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi has been ruled out due to an ankle problem.

Miguel Angel Moya (knee) and David Zurutuza (Achilles) are both questionable. However, neither should be available for this contest.

Key Factors to Consider

• Counting extra-time and penalties, Real Madrid enter this game riding an eight-game winning streak.
• On the other hand, Real Sociedad have suffered two losses in their last three league matches. But they are W5, L3 in their last eight competitive matches.
• Surprisingly, Real Sociedad have won two of the last three matches they have played against Los Merengues. The last two meetings between these two sides ended with an identical 3-1 score.
• Four of the last five H2H meetings between these two sides have ended with over 2.5 goals scored.
• Real Madrid have not conceded goals in any of their last three competitive matches.

Conclusion

As stated above, four of the last five H2H meetings between these two sides have ended with over 2.5 goals scored.

Expect that trend to continue here as this match will have at least three goals scored.

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: 888sport