Copa del Rey semifinal

 Here is all you need to know about the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, featuring Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad: the teams, dates, times, television coverage, and detailed analysis.

** **Setting the Scene**

Real Sociedad and Real Madrid are set to meet in an exciting semi-final match in the **Copa del Rey**, a highly esteemed football event in Spain. Both teams will be playing for a spot in the final in the second leg, which will take place at the **Santiago Bernabéu** after a fiercely contested first leg.

This **all-inclusive 2000-word guide** will fill you in on every detail regarding the match:
*Where can I watch the match live (on TV or streaming worldwide)* **Historical context and head-to-head stats** **Expert predictions and betting odds** **First-leg recap and aggregate score implications** *Confirmed and predicted lineups** *Key players and tactical analysis** *Where can I find the match to watch the match (live or streaming worldwide)** *Thank you for your attention.

Coming right up!

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The **When** and **Where** of the Match

Here are the teams: - Real Madrid (La Liga titans, 20-time Copa del Rey champions)
- **Real Sociedad** (Strong Basque competitors, 3-time Copa champions)

### **🔹 Competition:** Copa del Rey 2023/24 – **Semi-Final (Second Leg)**

### **🔹 Date & Time:** - **🗓 Tuesday, February 27, 2024** - ** ⏰ 9:00 PM CET (Spain) / 3:00 PM ET (USA) / 12:00 PM PT (USA) / 8:00 PM GMT (UK)**

### **🔹 Venue:** **Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid** (Capacity: 85,000)

### **🔹 Referee:** TBD (Spanish refereeing committee to announce closer to the match)

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## **First Leg Recap: What Happened?**

The first leg at **Anoeta Stadium** was a close match, with both teams creating opportunities but unable to win a decisive lead.

### **📌 Key Moments:** - Real Sociedad’s strong press caused issues for Madrid’s defense.
- **Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid’s GK)** made important saves to keep the score level.
- **Takefusa Kubo (Sociedad’s winger)** was a persistent danger against his former club.
- **Jude Bellingham (Madrid’s outstanding midfielder)** had a lackluster performance owing to tight marking.

### **📊 First Leg Result:** **Real Sociedad 0-0 Real Madrid** *(Aggregate still 0-0 ahead of the second leg)*

This implies **the second leg is a straight shootout**—no away goals rule applies. If the match finishes in a stalemate after 90 minutes, **extra time and penalties** will decide the winner.

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## **Team News: Expected Lineups & Tactics**

### **⚽ Real Madrid (Predicted XI – 4-3-3 Formation)** - **GK:** Andriy Lunin *(Thibaut Courtois still injured)* - **DEF:** Carvajal – Rüdiger – Nacho – Mendy - **MID:** Valverde – Tchouaméni – Kroos - **ATT:** Bellingham – Vinícius Jr. – Rodrygo

#### **🔍 Tactical Approach:** - Carlo Ancelotti will likely favor **ball possession and rapid transitions**.
- **Jude Bellingham** will play a hybrid midfield/attacking role.
- **Vinícius Jr.’s pace** will be essential against Sociedad’s high defensive line.

### **⚽ Real Sociedad (Predicted XI – 4-3-3 Formation)** - **GK:** Álex Remiro - **DEF:** Traoré – Zubeldia – Le Normand – Tierney - **MID:** Zubimendi – Merino – Brais Méndez - **ATT:** Kubo – Oyarzabal – Barrenetxea

#### **🔍 Tactical Approach:** - Imanol Alguacil’s side will press aggressively and aim to exploit Madrid’s left flank.
- **Take Kubo vs. Ferland Mendy** will be a significant duel.
- **Mikel Oyarzabal’s movement** might challenge Madrid’s center-backs.

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## **Key Players to Watch**

### **🌟 Real Madrid’s Danger Men:**
1. **Jude Bellingham** - The Englishman has been Madrid’s crucial player this season.
2. **Vinícius Jr.** - His dribbling and pace can shred Sociedad’s defense.
3. **Fede Valverde** – Provides energy and long-range shooting threat.

### **🌟 Real Sociedad’s Key Threats:**
1. **Takefusa Kubo** – The ex-Madrid winger likes playing against his previous club.
2. **Mikel Oyarzabal** - Captain and clinical finisher.
3. **Martín Zubimendi** — Anchors midfield and directs tempo.

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## **Where to Watch: Live TV & Streaming Guide**

### **📺 Spain:** - **TV:** Movistar+, RTVE - **Streaming:** Movistar+, RTVE Play

### **🇺🇸 USA:** - **TV:** ESPN Deportes - **Streaming:** ESPN+

### **🇬🇧 UK:** - **TV:** Viaplay Sports - **Streaming:** Viaplay app

### **🌍 Other Regions:** - **MENA:** beIN Sports - **Latin America:** ESPN, Star+ - **Australia:** Optus Sport

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## **Historical Context & Head-to-Head Stats**

### **📊 Copa del Rey History:** - **Real Madrid:** 20-time winners (last won in 2023)
- **Real Sociedad:** 3-time winners (last won in 1987)

### **🤝 Last 5 Meetings (All Competitions):** 1. **2024 La Liga:** Real Sociedad 0-0 Real Madrid 2. **2023 La Liga:** Real Madrid 2-1 Real Sociedad 3. **2023 La Liga:** Real Sociedad 2-0 Real Madrid 4. **2022 Copa del Rey:** Real Madrid 0-0 (4-3 pens) 5. **2022 La Liga:** Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad

**🔎 Interesting Stat:** Real Sociedad has **not beaten Madrid at the Bernabéu since 2019**.

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## **Expert Predictions & Betting Odds**

### **🔮 Predicted Outcome:** - **Most Likely Result:** **Real Madrid 2-1 Real Sociedad** *(Madrid advances)* - ** Dark Horse Scenario:** If Sociedad scores first, penalties might decide it.

### **💰 Betting Odds (Pre-Match):** - ** Real Madrid Win:** 1.60 - **Draw:** 3.80 - ** Real Sociedad Win:** 5.50

**Best Bet:** **Both Teams to Score (Yes) & Over 2.5 Goals**

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## **Final Thoughts: Who Will Reach the Final?**

This encounter is **a genuine test of Real Madrid’s superiority vs. Real Sociedad’s resilience**. While Madrid are favorites at home, Sociedad’s tactical discipline and counter-attacking threat make them dangerous.

### **🔥 Key Factors That Could Decide the Game:** ✅ **Home advantage for Madrid** (Bernabéu crowd will be explosive).
✅ **Sociedad’s defensive solidity** (can they resist Madrid’s attack?).
✅ **Set-pieces & individual brilliance** (Bellingham, Kubo, Vinícius).

### **📢 Final Verdict:** ** Real Madrid should edge it, but anticipate a nail-biting fight! **

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## **📌 Don’t Miss It!** ⚽ **Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad** 🗓 **Tuesday, February 27, 2024** ⏰ **9:00 PM CET / 3:00 PM ET ** 📺 **Live on ESPN+, Movistar+, Viaplay, beIN Sports**

**Who do you think will win? Drop your guesses in the comments!** ⬇️

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