The weekend's league matchday is already history for Real Madrid and Real Sociedad. Now, all eyes are on the return leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.
The white team, after a solid victory against CD Leganés, is focused on the next step: securing a spot in the grand final of the 'KO' tournament. However, the path won't be easy, as the opponent, Real Sociedad, will come with everything, looking to spring a surprise.
A Motivated Real Madrid
Real Madrid is in good shape. They come from a convincing win against Leganés and, with high morale, face the challenge of the Copa del Rey. Carlo Ancelotti, their coach, is aware of the importance of this match and what it means to reach the final.
The merengue coach knows they can't be overconfident. Real Sociedad has proven to be a tough opponent, and at Santiago Bernabéu, even more so.
Real Madrid wants to secure their qualification, but the match promises to be more than just a formality. Ancelotti is aware that Imanol Alguacil's team will fight until the end.
Real Sociedad Also Has Motivation
Despite the difficulties, Real Sociedad doesn't give up. Imanol Alguacil, coach of the Basque team, trusts his squad and assures that his players will give their best.
Although the first leg score wasn't favorable, Real Sociedad has reasons to believe. The fact of playing with an audience, something they couldn't do in the first leg, is an extra motivation for the txuriurdines.
"We are one match away from the final and we will fight to be there," said Alguacil, highlighting his team's determination to surprise Madrid.
Óskarsson's Doubt
However, not all news is good for Real Sociedad. The Icelandic forward Orri Óskarsson is in doubt for Tuesday's match due to a severe gastroenteritis.
Óskarsson didn't train with the team this Sunday and continues with discomfort that prevents him from being at 100%. This situation was confirmed by journalist Óscar Ballado, who indicated that the player couldn't even warm up with the rest of the team due to the illness. But today he did train with his teammates.
This absence could be key for Imanol Alguacil's plans, as the Icelandic forward is an important piece for his scheme. The Real Sociedad coach hopes that Óskarsson can recover in time, but the situation remains uncertain.