Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: line ups & betting tip

Real Madrid head into the second leg of the Cope del Rey semi-final with a one-goal lead.

On 26 February, Endrick’s goal gave Real Madrid a 1-0 win at San Sebastian and they will take a one-goal lead into Tuesday’s return leg of the Spanish Cup semi-finals. The two royal sides have met twice this season, both times at Sociedad’s stadium, with Real Madrid winning both games.

The Blancos are also favourites for Tuesday’s game, with bookmakers pricing Carlo Ancelotti’s side between 1.40-1.50, with a Sociedad win paying well over seven odds.

Team news

Thibaut Courtois is back in action for Real Madrid after missing the game against Leganes due to muscle fatigue, but Andrij Lunin could start again this time as he has carried the trophy so far.

Ancelotti will also be without several players in the squad through injury, with Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal still unavailable.

Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni could also return to the squad, while Mbappé, who scored a double at the weekend, could be rested. The French star has scored 33 goals in his Real Madrid debut season so far, already equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.

For Real Sociedad, Brais Mendez is a doubt with a leg injury, while Nayef Aguerd, Sheraldo Becker, Arsen Zakharyan and Jon Pacheco could all miss the return leg of the semi-final.

Ander Barrenetxea missed the Real Valladolid game through suspension but is now back and is expected to be in the starting line-up.

The team’s most successful player this season is Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions. However, the Spanish international striker may have his say from the back this time.

Possible lineups

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Lunin; Vazquez, Asensio, Rudiger, F Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup: Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Munoz; Sucic, Zubimendi, Marin; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea

What is worth betting on?

With the result of the first game in hand, Real Madrid can play with confidence, which does not bode well for Sociedad. It’s hard to see this game giving the Basques a result that could turn the tide. Obviously, they will not go into the game with their hands up, but if necessary, they could let the game go in their minds, for example with an early home goal.

It’s a tough match from a betting point of view, but we’re on the Real train, which is sweeping away opponents in succession and is on a great run at home.

We’re sending a two-way combi into play on this match, which includes a Real win and more home corners at close to two odds.