The second semi-final, first leg of the Copa del Rey takes place on Thursday night as Real Sociedad meet CD Mirandés. The match will be played at the Reale Arena, with the second leg to come at the Anduva on the 4th of March.
Real Sociedad come into this game having enjoyed a good 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on the weekend. It is always good to get one over your rivals and that's exactly what they did, netting the winner in the 83rd minute. That result means Real Sociedad have won 5 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.
In addition to the victory against Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad have defeated Mallorca in La Liga plus Espanyol, Osasuna and Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. The win over Real Madrid came away from home and is easily one of Real Sociedad’s best performances of the season. They were 3-0 up after 56 minutes and it was only a couple of late goals by Real Madrid which made the score respectable.
Real Sociedad are in good form at home having won each of their last 4 games in all competitions. They scored 2 or more goals in each of the 4 victories and also managed to keep 2 clean sheets, conceding just 2 goals across the 4 matches. Real Sociedad have tasted defeat just once in their last 8 home games and they have scored at least one goal in each of their last 13 at the Reale Arena.
CD Mirandés play their football in the Segunda División, which is the second tier of Spanish football. They are currently sitting in 10th place but are just 4 points off the promotion play-off positions so have everything to play for in the league this season.
CD Mirandés are undefeated in their last 12 matches in all competitions and have lost only one of their last 17 games. Five of the victories in the 12 game unbeaten run have come in the Copa del Rey. There have been wins over Coruxo and UCAM Murcia away plus Celta Vigo, Sevilla and Villarreal at home. The first three of those victories all required extra time but the wins over Sevilla and Villarreal, both of which were at home, were convincing.
CD Mirandés have been difficult to beat away from home in recent matches having won 3 and drawn 3 of their last 6 on the road. They have drawn each of their last 3 and this will be their biggest away test of the season.
Team news and Real Sociedad have the suspended Portu available for this game but Asier Illarramendi will miss out due to injury. David Zurutuza and Diego Llorente both doubts.
CD Mirandés are likely to be without defender Carlos Martínez and they also have doubts over the fitness of forward Iñigo Vicente.
Despite the current unbeaten run of CD Mirandés, Real Sociedad must start this game as favourites. They have won each of their last 4 matches at home and could win this first leg by a couple of goals plus keep a clean sheet.
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