Madrid's Real and Real Sociedad Set Unforeseen Lineups for Copa Del Rey Clash
Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Real Madrid, is set to make some unexpected changes to his team's starting lineup for their Copa del Rey semifinal clash against Real Sociedad on Thursday. During a press conference ahead of the game, Ancelotti took a jab at La Liga president Javier Tebas, expressing his frustration with Tebas's frequent discussions about Real Madrid and perceived lack of respect for the club and its fans [1].
Real Madrid is in fine form, having already won two trophies this season, and they have the opportunity to move one step closer to a third in the Copa del Rey. Should they emerge victorious against Real Sociedad, they will face either Atletico Madrid or FC Barcelona in the final [1].
In the upcoming match, Andriy Lunin will replace Thibaut Courtois as the starting goalkeeper, with Fran Garcia stepping in for Ferland Mendy at left back. Toni Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni will form the central defensive partnership [1].
Ancelotti hinted that Fede Valverde could return to right back, but he was cryptic about his exact lineup choices. Raul Asencio, Dani Ceballos, and Eduardo Camavinga are likely candidates to fill out the midfield, while Jude Bellingham, only suspended in the league and not the Copa del Rey, will demote Brahim Diaz to the bench [1].
With Bellingham available, the Englishman will take up a more advanced midfield role, allowing Arda Guler and Vinicius Jr. to fill the spots on his right and left, respectively. Due to Kylian Mbappe's absence during training, Endrick will get a rare starting opportunity up front [1].
The exact starting lineups for both Real Madrid and Real Sociedad remain to be seen; however, here are the predicted lineups for each team based on reliable sources [2]:
Real Madrid
- Kepa or Courtois (GK)
- Vázquez (RB), Asencio (CB), Rudiger (CB), García or Mendy (LB)
- Tchouameni, Ceballos, Valverde or Bellingham
- Vinicius Jr., Bellingham, Rodrygo
- Mbappé or Endrick (ST)
Real Sociedad
- Remiro (GK)
- Aramburu (RB), Elustondo (CB), Zubimendi (CB), López (LB)
- Kubo, Zakharyan, Marin, Gómez, Mikel Merino
- Oyarzabal (ST)
Sources:[1] - BBC Sport, "Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Live score, team news and lineups"[2] - Transfermarkt, "Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: team news, line-ups and live score"[3] - Football Transfers, "Transfers to Real Madrid 2022/2023"[4] - Marca, "Ancelotti's navy can't believe it: La Liga president Javier Tebas insults the club"
Ancelotti mentioned Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham as potential starters in their semifinal match against Real Sociedad, signaling a shift in strategy for Real Madrid [1].
Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona could be Real Madrid's opponents in the Copa del Rey final, depending on their semifinal outcomes [1].
Fans are eagerly awaiting the match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, with Ancelotti's unexpected lineup changes adding an element of unpredictability [2].
Despite Javier Tebas's public criticism of Real Madrid, the team remains focused on their goal of winning another trophy in the Copa del Rey [1].
Rodrygo, Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr. are expected to play key roles in Real Madrid's attack, given their impressive performances this season [1].
Kylian Mbappe's absence during training has opened the door for Endrick to start in the Copa del Rey semifinal, providing an opportunity for the young striker to shine [1].
