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E-mail Xinhua, April 1, 2025
Real Madrid aims to make good a 1-0 first leg advantage away to Real Sociedad to become the first team to book its place in the Copa del Rey final when the teams meet for the return leg in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday night.
Vinicius Junior (L) of Real Madrid vies with Valentin Rosier of CD Leganes during the Laliga football match between Real Madrid and CD Leganes, in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, March 29, 2025. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)
Endrick's 19th minute goal separated the two sides in San Sebastian five weeks ago when a much-changed Real Madrid side held off Real Sociedad after taking an early lead.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti rested several key players as his side returned to action with a 3-2 win at home to Leganes on Saturday, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde and Vinicius Jr all starting on the subs' bench in that game.
All of those are likely to start on Tuesday, while David Alaba could also come into the team, with Raul Asensio moving across to right back for Lucas Vazquez.
Andriy Lunin continues in goal for Madrid as Thibaut Courtois again failed to train with the squad on Monday after missing out at the weekend with a muscle injury he suffered while on international duty.
"We are in good shape, we are motivated and in good form and we hope to get to another final," said Ancelotti in his pre-game press conference.
"We'd love to play another Copa del Rey final, it has been a good competition for us and we want to win it again," he added.
Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil is without midfielder Brais Mendez for Tuesday's match, but was optimistic that despite the first-leg defeat his side could produce an upset.
"Real Madrid is always the favorite to win everything. La Liga, the Champions League, the Cup, and the Club World Cup, but the game has to be played, and no one is going to take away my excitement."
"We have great respect for a great team, great players, and coach, but why can't we win tomorrow and get to the final," said the Real Sociedad coach who reminded the press that a year ago his side had been favorite to qualify for the final when it played Mallorca, only to lose on penalties.
