Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad - Copa del Rey | OneFootball

Rarely have Real Madrid been defined by their success in the Copa del Rey in contemporary times.

While Spain's leading domestic cup isn't a trophy to be scoffed at, Madrid's priorities have often rendered the competition an afterthought. Before prevailing in 2023, Los Blancos hadn't reached the Copa del Rey final since they previously triumphed, memorably over Barcelona, in 2014.

Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid future hinges on how their La Liga and Champions League campaigns conclude. Copa del Rey success will not be enough to save the Italian as it was two years ago. Nevertheless, Ancelotti's side have one foot in this season's final.

Madrid welcome Real Sociedad for the second leg of their semi-final, with Endrick's winner in San Sebastian meaning they've got a lead to preserve at the start of a hectic April. Here's the team Ancelotti could pick for Tuesday's second leg.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1)

Endrick proved to be the match-winner in the first leg / David Ramos/GettyImages

GK: Andriy Lunin - Lunin was likely to start this fixture anyway, but Thibaut Courtois' knee injury means the Ukrainian's inclusion is a near certainty.

RB: Lucas Vazquez - Vazquez's minutes have dwindled in 2025 with Federico Valverde starring at right-back, but the veteran Madridista could earn another start with Ancelotti likely to preserve the Uruguayan's minutes for upcoming games.

CB: Raul Asencio - The academy graduate has been exceptional at the start of his senior career, quickly emerging as an important part of this Madrid defence.

CB: David Alaba - Antonio Rudiger could earn a midweek rest. David Alaba hasn't played all that much since returning from a long-term knee injury, but the Austrian could make the starting XI on Tuesday.

LB: Fran Garcia - Garcia is a shoo-in down the left flank with Ferland Mendy out injured. The Frenchman has a chance of returning for Madrid's Champions League quarter-final with Arsenal.

CM: Aurelien Tchouameni - The versatile French midfielder impressed before the March break and is expected to return to the XI here after appearing off the bench against Leganes.

CM: Luka Modric - Ancelotti could once again turn to the veteran if he opts to preserve Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. Dani Ceballos remains out of action.

RW: Rodrygo - The winger was eased back in at the weekend after returning from South America, appearing off the bench on Saturday night. He should return to the starting XI here, with a spot down the right flank likely.

AM: Brahim Diaz - With Ancelotti unlikely to opt for a full strength lineup, there could be room for Brahim Diaz, who's often shone this season, to retain his place. Jude Bellingham should be managed ahead of the Champions League quarter-finals.

LW: Vinicius Junior - The Brazilian endured a tough international break, and he'll be keen to enjoy an upsurge down the stretch. It's been a fairly quiet season, considering the heights Vini Jr has reached over the past couple of years.

ST: Endrick - Kylian Mbappe equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's scoring record by netting a brace in Madrid's 3-2 win over Leganes, and he'll be keen to play on Tuesday. However, Ancelotti may fancy giving first leg match-winner Endrick another chance to impress.