Barcelona-Real Sociedad is a King’s Cup quarter-final match to be played on Wednesday at 21:00: predictions, analysis and likely line-ups.
The King’s Cup has reached the quarter-finals, where almost all the big names in Spanish football have made it through. The only absentees were defending champions Betis, who were surprisingly eliminated in the round of 16 on penalties by a good Osasuna.
One of the most exciting challenges on the programme of the country’s second-biggest competition is the one at Camp Nou between La Liga’s first and third-placed Barcelona and Real Sociedad. The blaugrana have been living a magical moment for several weeks now, sealed by their victory in the Spanish Super Cup with a victory in the final over bitter rivals Real Madrid. Xavi’s team is also running at a fast pace in the league, where they have only and exclusively collected victories since the new year began. After the half-hearted misstep in the derby with Espanyol, Barça has not slowed down, winning six matches in a row between La Liga, the Supercup and the Copa del Rey. The latest was last Sunday against Getafe, who were beaten 1-0 by a goal from talent Pedri.
Real Sociedad travels fast
Catalani did well to take advantage of the decline of Carlo Ancelotti’s men, now forced to chase. In the King’s Cup, however, they have so far only met opponents well within their reach: Intercity and Ceuta, although with the former they needed extra time.
Real Sociedad’s exultation
In the quarters the level rises considerably. In Catalonia comes Real Sociedad, the best team in La Liga, apart from the usual two. It is no coincidence that the Basques are third, respectively -3 from Real and -6 from Barça. And they could even become the third challenger for the title if they continue at this pace. The men led by Imanol, like the blaugrana, have only ever won in 2023 and are fresh from an important victory in Madrid’s trip to Vallecas: Rayo beaten 2-0 and yet another success.
The prediction
Barcelona’s home performance is impeccable: seven wins, no losses, two draws and barely a goal conceded for what is the least beaten defence in La Liga. However, in the cup Xavi and his team will have to face a team in great form and very solid – in their last seven matches they have conceded only one goal – such as Real Sociedad, who are likely to make them sweat for qualification. Barça are slight favourites but we predict a very close match, with at least two goals in total.
Barcelona v Real Sociedad likely line-ups
- BARCELONA (4-3-3): Iñaki Peña; Bellerín, Eric García, Marcos Alonso, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Gavi, Pedri; Ansu Fati, Lewandowski, Dembélé.
- REAL SOCIEDAD (4-4-2): Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Munoz; Illarramendi, Brais Méndez, Pablo Marin, David Silva; Sorloth, Oyarzabal.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1