Tue Apr 01 18:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Real Sociedad Coach Confident Despite Facing Real Madrid in Copa del Rey Semi-Final
**MADRID, SPAIN** – Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil expressed unwavering confidence ahead of his team’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite losing the first leg 1-0, Alguacil believes his team can overturn the deficit against the heavily favored home side.
“Real Madrid are favorites for La Liga, the Copa, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup,” Alguacil acknowledged. “But we’re going there to win and reach the final. It’s a complex game, in a complex stadium, against a complex coach. We have maximum respect, but we’re convinced we’ll be in that final.”
Alguacil confirmed that key players, including Mikel (who suffered a minor injury), will be available for the match. Only Pacheco remains sidelined due to injury.
The coach highlighted Real Sociedad’s recent performances against Real Madrid, stating, “We haven’t been far from beating them in our two matches this season. If we play like those games and are clinical, we have a serious chance of going through.”
While acknowledging the immense pressure and the significance of the match – “I have the same pressure as last year against Mallorca; we’re playing for the same thing,” he said – Alguacil emphasized his belief in his team’s ability to achieve a historic victory. He praised Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti, recognizing his skill in achieving consistent success.
Alguacil concluded by expressing his excitement and anticipation for the match, calling it a potentially “magical, historic, and memorable night.” The Real Sociedad team are determined to make it to the final and continue their impressive run in the competition.
First Piper 