As Real Madrid gears up for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Real Sociedad, manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced the squad list. However, the selection comes with some notable absences, which could have a significant impact on the team’s performance in this crucial encounter.
The Madrid giants will travel to the Reale Arena to face a formidable Real Sociedad side on Wednesday evening. The Basque club, known for its resilience and tactical discipline, will be looking to take advantage of their home crowd as they attempt to unsettle the reigning La Liga champions. This semi-final comes on the heels of a fiery encounter between FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid in the other semi-final, a match that set the stage for what promises to be another intense battle in San Sebastián.
Despite being the favorites, Real Madrid must navigate this fixture without three key players. Ancelotti had initially hinted at the presence of Kylian Mbappé, who underwent dental surgery earlier in the week, but the French forward has ultimately been ruled out. His absence leaves a significant gap in Madrid’s attacking options, especially considering his ability to create and convert chances in high-pressure situations.
In addition to Mbappé, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Federico Valverde will also be missing from the squad. While Mbappé’s omission is due to health reasons, the decisions to leave out Courtois and Valverde appear to be tactical. Valverde, who has been a workhorse for Madrid this season, has been given a well-earned rest after a grueling run of fixtures. Meanwhile, Courtois, who is in the final stages of his recovery from a long-term injury, will sit this one out as Ancelotti opts to give Ukrainian shot-stopper Andriy Lunin more minutes between the posts.
Despite these setbacks, Los Blancos still boast a strong squad capable of securing a favorable result. The attack will be led by Brazilian stars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, with support from Endrick and Brahim Díaz. Vinicius and Rodrygo have been in excellent form, and their pace, dribbling ability, and chemistry could prove decisive against a well-organized Sociedad defense.
The midfield remains stacked with quality and experience. Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Arda Güler, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Luka Modric, and Eduardo Camavinga are all available for selection. Bellingham, in particular, will be one to watch, as the Englishman has consistently delivered match-winning performances throughout the season. Meanwhile, Turkish prodigy Arda Güler might finally get the opportunity to showcase his talent after struggling for regular playing time.
Defensively, Ancelotti has maintained continuity, with Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Lucas Vázquez, and Fran García all making the squad. The presence of Rüdiger and Alaba at the heart of the defense will be crucial in nullifying Sociedad’s attacking threats, particularly from Takefusa Kubo, who has been in scintillating form for the Basque outfit this season.
One notable absentee from the defensive lineup is Jesús Vallejo, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a femoral biceps injury in his left leg. The injury was confirmed by the club’s medical team, and it is yet another setback for the Spanish defender, who has struggled with fitness issues throughout his time at Madrid.
Real Madrid’s trip to Anoeta is expected to be a stern test. Sociedad has proven to be a tough opponent in recent years, andtheir ability to press high and disrupt Madrid’s buildup play could create problems for Ancelotti’s men. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Tchouaméni and Camavinga expected to play key roles in controlling possession and breaking up Sociedad’s attacks.
Moreover, Madrid’s ability to convert their chances will be under scrutiny, especially in the absence of Mbappé. Vinicius and Rodrygo will need to be clinical in front of goal, while Bellingham’s late runs into the box could provide an additional attacking edge. Ancelotti may also look to Díaz for creativity in the final third, as the Spanish playmaker has shown flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity.
Lunin’s performance in goal will be another critical factor. While the Ukrainian has impressed in his previous appearances, he will need to be at his absolute best to keep out Sociedad’s relentless attacking movements. The home side will likely test him with long-range shots and aerial duels, making it a challenging outing for the young goalkeeper.
The absence of Valverde could also impact Madrid’s defensive solidity in midfield. The Uruguayan’s energy, pressing ability, and work rate are often key in maintaining the team’s balance. Without him, Modric and Ceballos might be tasked with more defensive responsibilities, something that could alter the team’s natural attacking rhythm.
While Madrid fans would have preferred to see a full-strength squad, the depth of Ancelotti’s team remains a significant advantage. The Italian tactician has always been adept at rotating his squad while maintaining a competitive edge, and this match will be another opportunity for him to demonstrate his tactical acumen.
With a place in the Copa del Rey final on the line, Madrid will need to navigate this tricky away fixture with caution and efficiency. A solid defensive performance combined with sharp attacking transitions could give them the upper hand before the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Ultimately, despite the three major absentees, Real Madrid remains well-equipped to take on Real Sociedad. Ancelotti will be banking on the leadership of experienced players like Modric and Alaba, while also hoping for game-changing contributions from rising stars like Bellingham and Güler.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, all eyes will be on Madrid’s response to adversity. Will they overcome the challenge posed by Real Sociedad and take a step closer to silverware, or will their key absences prove too much to handle? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this semi-final clash is set to be a thrilling encounter.