Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Prediction & Betting Tips - Copa del Rey

Prediction published on 03/02/2020, 07:50  by James | Modified on 03/02/2020 at 08:50 in Football Predictions

Top of La Liga after a derby win over rivals Atletico Madrid at the weekend, Real Madrid couldn't come into their Copa Del Rey match against Real Sociedad in better form. Karim Benzema scored the only goal in that victory over Atletico, his 18th in all competitions this season. If he didn't put the ball in the back of the net, another Madrid player surely would have. Zinedine Zidane's team are surging with confidence and always looked likely to get the better of a below-par Atletico team. Last losing at Mallorca in October, Madrid are now 21 games unbeaten in all competitions. While they have scored plenty of goals in that time, the foundation of their success has been a rock-solid defence. After struggling during his debut season, Thibaut Courtois has emerged from that baptism of fire to become a commanding presence between the sticks for Madrid. The Belgian goalkeeper has managed to keep 11 clean sheets in the 19 La Liga matches he's played this season.  

The La Real counterpart of Courtois, Alex Remiro, can only dream of such a record. Remiro could do little to stop an incredible free-kick by Leganes starlet Oscar, the sparkling set-piece stealing a stoppage-time 2-1 win for his team. It means that Remiro has only kept four clean sheets in 15 games this season. While Sociedad have been terrific at times this season, their defensive record keeps them in eighth place, five points off the last Champions League place. Domestic cup glory seems unlikely as they have lost five of their last six matches against Madrid. With Madrid on their current run, the home side looks primed for further glory. This could be the season Zidane finally wins a managerial Copa. Back Madrid to win with a clean sheet.