Despite missing practice, Mbappé will travel with the squad to San Sebastián, where Madrid will seek to secure an advantage in the two-legged semifinal tie.
Mbappé’s Dental Issue and Recovery
According to Spanish media reports, Mbappé underwent a minor dental procedure to remove a tooth, which forced him to skip training. While such an issue is typically not serious, Real Madrid’s medical staff chose to give him time to recover before allowing him to resume full training.
In his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti addressed the situation, confirming that Mbappé remains in contention to feature against Sociedad.
“Mbappé had a problem with a tooth and couldn’t train, but he is traveling tomorrow and can play,” Ancelotti said. “Everyone who travels has a chance of playing the game.”
The assurance from Madrid’s head coach comes as a relief for fans, as Mbappé has been in superb form recently, scoring six goals in his last four matches across all competitions, including a sensational hat trick against Manchester City in the Champions League playoffs.
Although he failed to score in Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Girona in La Liga last Sunday, his presence remains crucial as Los Blancos chase another domestic cup title.
Possible Replacement: Endrick Ready to Step Up
While Mbappé is expected to be fit, Ancelotti may opt to rest him depending on how he feels before kickoff. If that happens, Brazilian forward Endrick is the likely candidate to start in his place.
The 18-year-old prodigy, who officially joined Madrid in January, has impressed in limited minutes and could be given a starting role in this crucial fixture. His pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring instinct make him a natural fit in Madrid’s attacking setup.
Endrick has already shown glimpses of his potential, and this match could provide him with another opportunity to prove himself on a big stage.
Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey Aspirations
Madrid is aiming to reach its second Copa del Rey final in three seasons, having won the tournament in 2023 but suffering an early exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid in 2024.
Ancelotti’s squad has been in excellent form this season, currently leading the La Liga standings and competing on multiple fronts, including the Champions League and Copa del Rey. However, securing another domestic cup title remains a priority, and Madrid will be keen to take control of the tie in the first leg against Sociedad.
The other Copa del Rey semifinal will see Barcelona host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, adding further intensity to an already thrilling Spanish domestic season.
Real Sociedad’s Road to the Semifinals
Real Sociedad has been one of the most consistent teams in Spanish football over the past few seasons, and reaching the Copa del Rey semifinals is a testament to their continued progress.
This is Sociedad’s first appearance in the semifinals since winning the tournament in 2020, when they defeated Athletic Club in the final to claim their third Copa del Rey title.
However, Sociedad’s recent head-to-head record against Madrid has been poor, having lost their last three meetings against Los Blancos in La Liga. Despite this, they will fancy their chances of causing an upset, especially at their home ground, the Reale Arena.
Tactical Preview: How Madrid and Sociedad Match Up
With Mbappé’s fitness still in question, Real Madrid might need to adjust their attacking strategy against Sociedad’s well-organized defense.
Madrid’s Attacking Threats
Even without Mbappé at 100%, Madrid boasts plenty of firepower in attack, including:
- Vinícius Júnior, whose pace and dribbling make him a constant threat on the wing.
- Jude Bellingham, who has been outstanding in midfield, adding creativity and goals.
- Rodrygo, a versatile attacker capable of stepping up in crucial moments.
Madrid will look to dominate possession, utilizing quick passing and wide play to stretch Sociedad’s defense.
Sociedad’s Defensive Approach
Sociedad is known for playing compact, disciplined football, relying on strong defensive organization and quick counter-attacks.
Key areas Sociedad will focus on:
- Pressing Madrid’s midfield to disrupt their build-up play.
- Using physicality to neutralize Madrid’s attackers.
- Exploiting counter-attacks through Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo.
The first leg will be crucial in determining how the tie unfolds, and Sociedad will want to take advantage of playing at home before heading to the Bernabéu for the second leg.
Will Mbappé Start? Key Decision for Ancelotti
With Mbappé returning to full fitness, Ancelotti faces a key decision—does he start the French superstar or use him as an impact substitute?
Given the high stakes of the match, Ancelotti may opt for caution, potentially introducing Mbappé in the second half if needed. However, if the striker is cleared to start, Madrid will have a significant advantage from the outset.
Regardless of whether Mbappé plays the full match, his presence in the squad will provide a psychological boost for Real Madrid and add to Sociedad’s defensive concerns.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Clash with Mbappé in the Spotlight
Real Madrid’s semifinal showdown with Real Sociedad is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with Kylian Mbappé’s fitness adding an extra layer of intrigue.
While Mbappé’s absence from training due to a tooth problem initially raised concerns, Ancelotti’s reassurance that he is available to play will calm Madrid fans.As Madrid chases another Copa del Rey title, this first-leg encounter will be crucial in setting the tone for the remainder of the tie. Whether Mbappé starts or comes off the bench, all eyes will be on the French superstar as Madrid looks to take one step closer to the final.
