Real Madrid will have their first home game of the 2020 Copa del Rey on Thursday, but it won’t be a walk in the park against Real Sociedad, who have their eyes on revenge.
When Real Madrid and Real Sociedad first faced each other in 2019-2020 in Martin Odegaard‘s return to the Santiago Bernabeu, it looked like La Real would pick up a massive victory. They scored early in the match after a shocking giveaway from captain Sergio Ramos, and they were dominating the first half hour of the match with their high pressing.
However, Los Blancos buckled down and started playing their best football of the season, with Eden Hazard and Karim Benzema showing their budding chemistry as they sliced through Sociedad’s defense for a 3-1 win.
Hazard won’t be back yet for Thursday’s Copa del Rey quarterfinals match against Sociedad, but the club won all of their eight games in January, including two Derbis, without him. There’s optimism that Real can grab the win this week, especially if these five players step up to the plate.
CM Fede Valverde
The Man of the Match in the last Derbi, Fede Valverde always plays like he’s a man on a mission. Valverde always plays at his best in the biggest games, as evidenced by his quality performances against FC Barcelona and Atleti both times in January.
Against Sociedad, Valverde’s ability to start counterattacks and transition from defense to attack will be critical. He’ll be tasked with running all over the pitch to wreak havoc and wear out Sociedad’s attackers while making smart passes to Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez on the wings for quick counters. Consider him the most important player on the pitch.