Real Sociedad coach says Real Madrid are ‘always the favourites’ ahead of Copa del Rey clash | OneFootball

After a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first-leg, Real Sociedad will meet Real Madrid once again tomorrow, as the two teams go head to head for the second leg of the Copa Del Rey semifinal.

Speaking ahead of this game, Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil, where he spoke about Real Madrid being the clear favourites but did not wish to drop any hopes of qualifying for the final.

What Alguacil said ahead of Real Madrid match

“It’s a bit of a challenge. Tomorrow I’m going to have a great and exciting night, no one can take that away from me. We’ve earned it. We’re aware that the challenge is huge. I’m going to dream it and we’re going to fight for it,” Alguacil said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

The Real Sociedad coach went on to talk about team news heading into this crucial insights, cofirming the absence of Pacheco and Sheraldo Becker.

“Pacheco hasn’t trained for a long time and still has two weeks to go before he’s even called up. Becker hasn’t arrived. Mikel and Orri have. But we’re all going to Madrid,” he said. “The captain is fine.”

“We took the risk, controlling it, knowing he had to do that test. It was a minor injury that wouldn’t get any worse. He was able to play and help the team win and it didn’t bother him. He came out on the field today; he didn’t do everything to be in top condition tomorrow,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of the tie, the coach stated, “This is such an important day that no matter where you come from, everyone will be focused. Everyone knows what’s at stake.”

It appears Real Sociedad are indeed determined to qualify for the final, especially after tasting success in the 2020 edition, when they beat Athletic Club in the final.

Alguacil himself was in the dugout back then. But heading into this match, he is not willing to undermine Real Madrid despite the team’s injuries and absences.

“I don’t know how they do it, but whenever we play against someone, they must be in bad form, and they’re poor, and without players, Madrid are always the favourite to win everything. That says it all,” he said.

“That said, the game has to be played, and no one can take away my excitement. We have great respect for a great team, great players, and coach.

“But why not win tomorrow and be in the final? Maximum respect, yes, but maximum excitement too, because we’re one game away from the final, and we want to play it in front of fans,” he added.

Talking about going all the way through in Copa Del Rey this time around, Alguacil sounded quite confident and excited.

“We’ve already done it, but we want more. I’m not one of those who lives in the past, but in the present. I’ve made them see that we haven’t been far from beating them in both games this season.

“We need to play a game like that, but we need to be on target. If we’re able to do that, I’m convinced we have a serious chance of going through. Believe me, we’re just as convinced as we were last year against Mallorca,” he said.

Alguacil’s Real Sociedad are ready for the Real Madrid challenge (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

About taking references from past success, Alguacil said, “Yes, it helps those of us who lived through it. It makes all of us who lived through it see that it’s possible. I haven’t dwelled on that game much either; six players from that time remain.

“We have a chance, and that’s where we have to focus. The past is the past, and we have to write the future with a magical night tomorrow, with everyone talking about how Real Madrid once again beat Madrid to reach the final.”

Alguacil went on to talk about whether or not he has prepared for potential extra time or penalties.

“I haven’t visualized extra time; if it happens, it will happen. What I have visualized, because I feel it, is that we can win. We have to win, but it could be that we win and it won’t help. Just in case, we’ll win, and if we have a two-goal advantage, we’ll reach the final, which is what we want. We haven’t rehearsed penalties,” he said.

Talking about Real Sociedad’s chances once again, the Spaniard stated that his team won’t back down easily and dares to dream.

“Even if we’re 1-0 down, the team is thinking about having the chance to play a final with our fans. We’re clear that we have the capacity to dream, not just hope. This isn’t the first time this team has won there.

“Let’s see if we can have another great night. It’s possible, you have to believe. That’s what we think, that we’ll be in the final. I do see myself in the final; we’re convinced we’ll be playing there. It would be another great night to come back.

“We’ve had many great ones in these six years. I want to continue experiencing historic nights like the ones we’ve had. We’re going to give it our all,” he said.

Alguacil talked about Kylian Mbappe as well, admitting that the Frenchman has the ability to change the complexion of the game.

“It’s normal for Mbappe to score, so he might force us to score more than one goal to reach extra time, or more to advance. They’re capable of scoring goals with very little. It’s important that we do our job,” he said.

Finally, the Spaniard talked about Carlo Ancelotti and his time at Real Madrid.

“They’ve done a lot of things well since Ancelotti took over . He’s more than proven what a great coach he is, not just at Madrid. It doesn’t matter what type of player he has, he gets the most out of them.

“Madrid made it clear in the game here; they take the lead with fewer chances. They don’t need to have a huge performance to win because of the quality they have,” he concluded.