Lunin, Rudiger and Bellingham start | Predicted Real Madrid line-up against Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Real Madrid face Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at the Reale Arena on February 26th at 21:30 CET. The visitors, who won 2-0 at the venue in La Liga earlier this season, will look to repeat their exploits in San Sebastian to bring back a vital advantage to the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of April’s second and decisive fixture between the two.

Carlo Ancelotti will not have Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao at his disposal due to their injuries, whereas Thibaut Courtois might rest with Andriy Lunin expected in between the sticks. Federico Valverde, who has been struggling with muscular issues might also not board the flight to the Basque County, although Kylian Mbappe is expected to be in the squad in spite of a dental procedure a couple of days ago.

Having said that, here is a look at how the team could line-up in the match.

Goalkeeper – Andriy Lunin

Having featured in each of the team’s Copa del Rey match so far, Lunin will once again get the nod over Courtois in the competition.

Right Back – Lucas Vazquez

Vazquez is expected to continue at right back with Carvajal injured and Valverde also likely to miss out.

Centre Back – Raul Asencio

A third game in less than a week for Asencio will see him take his place on the right side of the centre of defence.

Centre Back – Antonio Rudiger

Having rested against Girona, Rudiger will be fresh and ready to feature against Real Sociedad from the word go.

Left Back – Fran Garcia

Fran Garcia, who was on the bench for the last two Real Madrid games will return to the starting eleven at left back.

Defensive Midfielder – Eduardo Camavinga

Camavinga could start ahead of Aurelien Tchouameni, who has played ever so often in recent weeks.

Right Midfielder – Jude Bellingham

Bellingham will start in midfield. He missed the team’s last game due to suspension and will miss their next two owing to the same as well.

Left Midfielder – Dani Ceballos

Ceballos will also be back in the starting eleven after playing only the last few minutes against Girona.

Right Winger – Rodrygo

Rodrygo has yet to score in the Copa del Rey this season but will look to do so when he gets the nod against La Real.

Striker – Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe’s run of games with a goal came to an end against Girona but he will look to reignite his spell at a venue where he has three strikes in his last two matches – one each with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Left Winger – Vinicius Junior

Vinicius was back on the scoresheet against Girona and will hope to continue his run in the Copa del Rey semi-final, a stage on which he has tasted success two years ago with a goal versus Barcelona.