The stage is set: nothing to lose and much to gain. It is the scenario of a team which approaches the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey with the greatest hope. The Toralín will be the referee this Sunday at 3:30 p.m. as they face Real Sociedad, a team two divisions above, entering Ponferrada with the undeniable status of favorites thanks to the quality of their squad.
However, it is often said that within ninety minutes the forces tend to balance. This is especially true at Toralín, a virtually impregnable fortress where the home team usually presents a very solid version of their football. With three consecutive victories and only one defeat in the last two months, Javi Rey’s team is ready to give it their all against Real Sociedad.
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The team endured a lot but managed to secure a place among the top 32 teams in the national competition thanks to their skill from the penalty spot. Both Escobedo and Castellón withstood the blanquiazules’ onslaughts for 120 minutes of regular football, but finally gave in in the penalty shootout – a scenario that could repeat itself in this confrontation.
Facing a team that looks superior on paper, it’s clear that a lot of things need to work to move forward. Javi Rey highlighted this in his pre-match press conference, acknowledging that “many factors come into play, mainly our performance and how Real approach the match. » History does not inspire confidence, as the team has reached this stage six times before without ever progressing to the round of 16. In their only knockout match, against RCD Espanyol, they drew 1-1 before falling on penalties.
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-Javi Rey’s team enters this match with the confidence of having performed well recently. The Cup is simply a reward for their hard work and will be treated as such. The Blanquiazul coach will have to deal with the confirmed absences of Álex Costa and Nacho Castillo, as well as the uncertainty surrounding Andújar, who could be called up. In the cages, the coach confirmed the participation of Ángel, the team’s replacement goalkeeper. Expectations surround the club’s decision regarding Jürgens, who requested a transfer due to a lack of playing time.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad arrives at this knockout stage eager to continue making solid progress towards the final stage of the Copa del Rey. Imanol’s men tend to be a very serious team in this competition and are always strong contenders to reach at least the semi-finals. Not being a midweek game flanked by league fixtures, the Basque coach is expected to field a recognizable starting XI on the Toralín pitch.
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Zubimendi and Becker will definitely be absent, as confirmed by coach txuri-urdin. Umar Sadiq and Magunazelaia are also unavailable, with both players having been loaned out at the start of the winter transfer market. The San Sebastián club reached this stage after a convincing first round victory against Jove Español (0-5) and an overtime success against Conquense (0-1).
On the eve of Twelfth Day, excitement will be at its peak among fans eager to see their team fight on equal terms against a team currently competing in European tournaments. It’s the perfect scenario to start the year, testing how far Javi Rey’s team can go.
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