Revitalised Gonçalo Guedes strengthens Portugal case, as Real Sociedad book Copa Del Rey semi-final with Athletic Bilbao [video] | OneFootball

Guedes is flying in Spain (Getty Images)

Real Sociedad learned their opponents in the last four of the Copa del Rey on Friday afternoon, with Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao drawn for the two-legged semi finals later this month.

La Real secured their spot in the semis for the third consecutive season with a 3-2 win at Alaves in midweek. The victory was a big moment in the club’s season and once again Portuguese forward Gonçalo Guedes was a pivotal figure, continuing his highly impressive recent form back in Spanish football.

Guedes scored a crucial equaliser to tie things up at 2-2 on 76 minutes, after Sociedad had trailed 2-1 since the 26th minute. The goal proved the turning point, with Orri Oskarsson scoring the winner just a few minutes later to book his team a place in semis against their regional rivals.

Portugal international Guedes’ goal, which was beautifully finished after a slick team move, comes after he scored in the Basque derby 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao at the weekend. The former Benfica man has now contributed five goal involvements in his last four outings: three goals and two assists across league and cup. For Sociedad, who paid Wolverhampton Wanderers €4m potentially rising to €6m, the transfer is proving a coup.

The first goal contribution in this latest run was perhaps even more memorable. Guedes scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over La Liga champions Barcelona earlier this month at the Anoeta. In total, Guedes has scored 7 goals from his 26 appearances in all competitions, while providing four assists. With a growing influence, the 29-year-old appears to be re-finding his best form in Spain.

Guedes' winner against Barcelona:

The first leg of the semi-finals takes place on Wednesday, with Guedes’ side holding two slight advantages in their quest to reach the final. Sociedad will play the first leg away, followed by the home fixture at the Anoeta next month, while their opponents Athletic Club will also have one day fewer to prepare for the first leg given the layout of the weekend matches in La Liga.

The final of the Copa del Rey will be played on April 18th or 19th at La Cartuja in Seville. The other half of the draw saw Atlético de Madrid paired with João Cancelo’s Barcelona, with the return leg at Camp Nou.

For Guedes, much of the local reporting in San Sebastian has begun to focus on an outside chance of a recall to the Portuguese national team, which he has admitted is a dream ahead of the World Cup. Having rediscovered a confidence lacking since his Valencia days, Seleção boss Roberto Martínez will no doubt be keeping a close eye on one of Spanish football’s in-form players.

By Sean Gillen