Real Sociedad Vs Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano will make the trip to the Reale Arena on Thursday to face Real Sociedad in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. Both teams have navigated the earlier stages of the competition with determination, and this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. Real Sociedad reached this stage after overcoming fourth-tier Ponferradina, while Rayo secured their spot with a victory over Segunda Division side Racing Ferrol.

Real Sociedad, often referred to as La Real, are making their seventh consecutive appearance in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey, underscoring their consistency in this competition. They began their cup campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Jove Español, setting the tone for their journey. However, the second round proved more challenging as they faced fourth-tier Conquense. The match required extra time to determine a winner, with La Real eventually securing a narrow 1-0 victory to advance. In the third round, Real Sociedad regained their clinical edge, defeating Ponferradina 2-0, thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Méndez in their first match of 2025.

The Basque side carried that momentum into their domestic league, securing a 1-0 victory over Villarreal in a tightly contested game last Saturday. Take Kubo, who has been an instrumental figure for Real Sociedad, scored his fourth goal of the season to seal the win. That result lifted Real Sociedad to seventh place in La Liga, bringing them within two points of the top six as they continue to push for European qualification. A key factor in their recent success has been their formidable home form. Real Sociedad have won five of their last six competitive matches at the Reale Arena, keeping clean sheets in all six. Notably, they have not conceded a goal at home since their 2-0 defeat to Osasuna at the end of October. This defensive resilience will undoubtedly give them confidence heading into Thursday’s game.

Another source of encouragement for La Real is their strong track record in recent last-16 ties. They have emerged victorious in each of their last three appearances at this stage of the Copa del Rey. Last season, they secured a 2-0 win over Osasuna in the round of 16, and they will aim to replicate that success against Rayo Vallecano. With their defensive solidity and the attacking contributions of players like Kubo, Oyarzabal, and Méndez, Real Sociedad will be determined to progress further in the competition.

On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano arrive at this fixture with plenty of optimism and momentum. This marks their second consecutive appearance in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey, and their journey to this stage has been characterized by attacking prowess. In their opening match, Rayo thrashed Villamuriel 5-0, showcasing their offensive firepower. The second round presented a sterner test as they faced Unionistas de Salamanca. Despite falling two goals behind, Rayo displayed remarkable resilience to stage a comeback and secure a dramatic 3-2 victory. Their third-round encounter saw them face Racing Ferrol, where a brace from Jorge de Frutos and a goal from Pacha Espino secured a 3-1 win, earning them a spot in the last 16.

Rayo’s impressive form extends beyond the Copa del Rey. In their most recent La Liga outing, they claimed a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo on Friday. Adri Embarba and Jorge de Frutos were the heroes of the match, scoring the goals that moved Rayo up to ninth place in the league standings. This result extended their unbeaten run to seven competitive matches, a streak that includes four wins and three draws. Their resilience and ability to grind out results have been evident since their 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club in early December, which remains their last loss.

Thursday’s game presents a unique challenge for Rayo Vallecano, but they have reasons to be confident. Earlier this season, they visited the Reale Arena and walked away with a 2-1 victory in a league fixture. That triumph will serve as a source of inspiration as they aim to repeat the feat and advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. If successful, it would mark their first appearance in the last eight since the 2021-22 season, a campaign in which they reached the semi-finals under the guidance of Andoni Iraola.

Both teams have shown their ability to rise to the occasion in the Copa del Rey, and this encounter promises to be a fascinating contest. Real Sociedad will rely on their solid defense and home advantage, while Rayo Vallecano will look to their attacking flair and recent positive experiences at the Reale Arena. As the two sides prepare to face off, fans can expect a closely fought battle between two teams eager to keep their cup dreams alive.

Real Sociedad’s recent performances have been characterized by discipline and structure. Their ability to keep clean sheets at home has been a cornerstone of their success, and manager Imanol Alguacil will undoubtedly emphasize the importance of maintaining that defensive solidity. With players like Robin Le Normand and Igor Zubeldia anchoring the backline, Real Sociedad have built a defensive unit capable of withstanding pressure. Meanwhile, in midfield, the presence of Martin Zubimendi and David Silva provides a blend of youth and experience, ensuring control and creativity in the middle of the park.

In attack, Mikel Oyarzabal’s leadership and goal-scoring ability make him a key figure for La Real. After returning from a lengthy injury layoff, Oyarzabal has gradually rediscovered his form, and his contributions will be vital in breaking down Rayo’s defense. Similarly, Take Kubo’s pace and technical ability add a dynamic dimension to Real Sociedad’s forward line. The Japanese international has been in fine form this season, and his ability to create and convert chances could prove decisive.

Rayo Vallecano, under the stewardship of Francisco Rodríguez, have developed a reputation for their attacking approach and resilience. Their ability to score goals from various sources has been a defining feature of their season. Jorge de Frutos has emerged as a standout performer, with his knack for finding the back of the net in crucial moments. Alongside him, Adri Embarba’s experience and creativity provide a valuable outlet in the final third. The duo’s partnership has been instrumental in Rayo’s recent success, and they will be central to their hopes of overcoming Real Sociedad.

Defensively, Rayo will need to be organized and disciplined to withstand the attacking threats posed by Real Sociedad. The likes of Abdul Mumin and Alejandro Catena will have to be at their best to protect goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, who has been a reliable presence between the posts. Rayo’s ability to transition quickly from defense to attack could be a key factor in their quest for a positive result.

The Reale Arena will undoubtedly provide a vibrant and passionate atmosphere, with Real Sociedad’s fans eager to see their team advance to the quarter-finals. However, Rayo Vallecano will not be intimidated, as they have already demonstrated their ability to win in this stadium earlier in the season. The outcome of this match may ultimately hinge on which team can impose their style of play and seize key moments.

As the Copa del Rey continues to produce thrilling contests, Thursday’s clash between Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano promises to be another captivating chapter. Both teams have shown their quality and determination to reach this stage, and with a place in the quarter-finals on the line, neither side will hold back. Fans can expect a high-stakes encounter filled with intensity, skill, and drama as these two La Liga sides battle for cup glory.