As Real Madrid prepare for Tuesday’s decisive Copa del Rey semifinal second leg against Real Sociedad, Carlo Ancelotti faces key selection decisions with several stars still working toward full fitness.
Thibaut Courtois remains sidelined with a muscle injury picked up on international duty, meaning Andriy Lunin will continue in goal. The Ukrainian has been Madrid’s cup goalkeeper all season, keeping clean sheets in four of five Copa matches. Courtois is expected to return for Saturday’s La Liga clash with Valencia.
Ancelotti may reintegrate rested stars after their post-international break cameos:
Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Fede Valverde (all substitutes vs. Leganés) are likely starters
Teenage sensation Endrick, who scored the first-leg winner, could lead the line again
Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz are pushing for starting roles after impressive recent form
Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos continue working toward full fitness ahead of next week’s Champions League quarterfinal at Arsenal. The manager faces a balancing act with:
Madrid will likely field a hybrid lineup – strong enough to secure a final berth while preserving key players for upcoming fixtures.
Their 20-game unbeaten run (18 wins) suggests depth won’t be an issue against a Sociedad side that’s won just once in their last five visits to the Bernabéu.
With Barcelona waiting in the potential final (leading Osasuna 1-0 in their semifinal), Ancelotti knows maintaining their treble chase requires careful squad management in this congested period.
