Real Sociedad’s Dual Challenge: Competing Against the Best and Preparing for Europe
Real Sociedad’s manager, Imanol Alguacil, is well aware of the formidable task his team faces as they prepare to take on Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final. Despite an inconsistent season in La Liga, the Txuri-Urdin have found success in the cup competitions, with a crucial Europa League match against Manchester United on the horizon. Alguacil’s sentiments reflect a mix of pride and realism, as he acknowledges the significance of his team’s achievements. "I am happy because we are in the two semi-finals, alongside the three big teams in La Liga. This puts us among the top four, and we are playing at home in front of our fans. We are up against what is arguably the best team in the world right now, and they have a great coach whom I have a lot of respect for."
Kylian Mbappe’s Absence and Its Implications
One of the notable topics in the lead-up to the match was the potential absence of Kylian Mbappe. Alguacil joked about the impact of Mbappe’s recent dental procedure, stating, "Even if you remove five of his teeth, I can tell you that it won’t affect him much." However, his prediction proved incorrect, as Mbappe has not traveled with the Real Madrid squad and will be one of several key absences. While this might seem like a relief for La Real, the Basque coach remains cautious, emphasizing that Real Madrid’s depth and quality ensure they remain a formidable opponent regardless of individual absences.
La Real’s Fitness Hurdles
Real Sociedad is not immune to fitness issues of their own. The team has been grappling with injuries and recoveries, but there is a silver lining. Luka Sucic, who had been sidelined, has recovered well ahead of schedule and is available for selection. Nayef Aguerd, another key player, is a game-time call, adding an element of uncertainty. However, the absence of Arsen Zakharyan, who scored a brilliant goal this weekend, due to a muscle injury, is a significant blow. Alguacil is realistic about the challenges ahead, recognizing that his team will need to be versatile and adaptable to have any chance against the reigning champions.
A Multi-Faceted Strategy
Alguacil’s strategy for the Copa del Rey semi-final is multifaceted, given Real Madrid’s versatile and potent attack. "How to beat them? We will have to do everything. Against a team of such level, you cannot always press high; sometimes they will force us to be compact and retreat." This acknowledges the complexity of facing a side that excels both in open play and set pieces. "They are the best at everything, creating chances against teams that retreat and against teams that press. That is why they win everything they win." The coach’s words serve as a reminder to his players that a single-minded approach is unlikely to yield success, and they must be prepared to switch tactics on the fly.
The Importance of Staying Focused
The stakes are high, and Alguacil is keen to ensure his team remains focused. He was asked whether the primary goal should be to simply survive the first leg and keep the tie alive for the return match at the Santiago Bernabeu. "It would be great news if we could do that, because it would mean we have competed in tomorrow’s game. But first, we have to play at the Reale Arena. You can have a game plan, but small details often determine the outcome, and things can happen that you didn’t expect." This pragmatic approach underscores the need for his team to be fully engaged from the first whistle, as any lapse in concentration could prove costly.
Real Madrid’s Distractions and Focus
While Real Sociedad is gearing up for their dual challenges, Real Madrid is dealing with its own distractions. Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian coach, had initially indicated that Fede Valverde and Mbappe might play at Anoeta, but both players have now been left out of the squad. The tight La Liga title race and an upcoming Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid are likely contributing to these decisions. There was little talk of Real Sociedad in Ancelotti’s press conference, suggesting that the Madrid side might be thinking beyond this semi-final. However, Alguacil and his team are determined to make the most of their home advantage and put in a performance that will give them a fighting chance in the second leg.
