Vietnam
Thailand
4th Feb. Spanish Copa Del Rey---Alaves VS Real Sociedad Prediction
Spanish Copa Del Rey - Alaves VS Real Sociedad
Match Time:05-02-2026 04:00 Thursday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
------------------------------------
Team News
Alavés come into this Copa del Rey quarter-final in decent domestic form, sitting safely mid-table in La Liga with a run of three straight league games unbeaten (two wins, one draw). Their home record at Mendizorrotza remains a strength—they have lost just twice there all season in the league and have been tough to break down defensively (conceding under one goal per game at home on average). In the cup, they knocked out higher-ranked sides with disciplined performances. No major new injuries: key defender Facundo Tenaglia is back fit after a minor knock, and forward Kike García (their main goal threat with eight goals this campaign) is available and in form. Expect a compact 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 under Luis García Plaza, with Antonio Blanco and Carlos Benavídez providing midfield steel, wing-backs pushing selectively, and reliance on set pieces and counters through García and Asier Villalibre. The home crowd will make Mendizorrotza a hostile venue, and Alavés will look to frustrate early and exploit any gaps on the break.
Real Sociedad arrive as clear favorites on paper, sitting in the top six of La Liga and showing improved consistency under their current coach after a mid-season wobble. Their cup run has been professional—comfortable wins over lower opposition—and they have quality to unlock tight defenses. However, injuries continue to bite: key playmaker Mikel Merino is out (muscle strain, expected back in February), winger Takefusa Kubo remains sidelined (hamstring), and defender Hamari Traoré is doubtful. Mikel Oyarzabal is fit and firing (double-digit goal involvements), while Brais Méndez and Sergio Gómez add creativity. Expect a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 with Álex Remiro in goal, a back four featuring Zubeldia and Le Normand, midfield control from Martín Zubimendi, and attack led by Oyarzabal, André Silva (or Jon Karrikaburu), and wingers like Barrenetxea. Sociedad will aim to dominate possession and probe with patient build-up, but their away form in cup ties against motivated hosts has been patchy (several draws or narrow wins).
Head to Head Analysis
These Basque rivals have met frequently in recent seasons, with Real Sociedad holding the upper hand overall—winning five of the last eight competitive clashes (including both league games this season: 2-0 home and 1-0 away). At Mendizorrotza, however, the record is much tighter: Alavés are unbeaten in their last four home meetings against Sociedad (two wins, two draws), often grinding out results through physical defending and set-piece threats. Games between them tend to be low-scoring and tactical—six of the last eight produced under 2.5 goals, with both teams frequently cancelling each other out in midfield. Sociedad usually control more possession, but Alavés are excellent at staying compact at home and nicking points or results against their regional rivals. Expect another cagey, physical battle with limited clear chances until late in the game.
Prediction
Alavés have turned Mendizorrotza into a real fortress in cup ties this season, and their disciplined, aggressive approach should make life uncomfortable for Sociedad early. The visitors have superior individual quality and will create chances through patient play and Oyarzabal’s movement, but injuries to key creators and a tendency to drop points in tight away games limit their dominance. This feels like a classic cup tie where the home side can frustrate and nick something on the counter or from a set piece. Sociedad are still favorites to progress, but a low-scoring draw forcing extra time or penalties is very realistic. Lean towards the visitors edging it narrowly in the end, but expect a real scrap.
Final Prediction: Real Sociedad win 1-0 (or 1-1 forcing extra time). Away side to progress—around 60% confidence in a Sociedad victory, with under 2.5 goals highly likely.
The Most Popular
-
11th Mar. UEFA Champions League---Bayer Leverkusen VS Arsenal Prediction -
11th Mar. UEFA Champions League---Real Madrid VS Manchester City Prediction -
Champions League Preview: Real Madrid and Manchester City Renew European Rivalry at the Bernabéu -
Midtjylland Set to Edge Past Nottingham Forest in Europa League Thriller -
Celta Vigo vs Lyon: Europa League Round of 16 Set for Tight Clash -
11th Mar. Indonesia Super League---PSIM Yogyakarta VS Persijap Jepara Prediction
Telegram
Facebook
X