Things aren’t looking good for Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid in La Liga. That’s why winning the Copa del Rey title is their best shot at not finishing the season in blank.
After Wednesday, only one will be able to keep dreaming about it because they’ll collide in the Round of 16. There will be no second chances as we’re talking about a one-game series: Go big or go home.
Los Colchoneros are offering a +160 price, enough to be the betting online favorites. In other words, Real Sociedad comes in as a very tempting home underdog.
Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid 2022 Copa del Rey
Real Sociedad Has Proved its Worth
Despite being among La Liga’s top five, Real Sociedad’s journey in the Copa del Rey started in the first round. Although it could be considered something negative, Real Sociedad has taken advantage of it to maintain a good rhythm. Usually, first-division teams begin playing in the third round.
Anyway, they started with a 4-0 victory over Panaderia Pulido. It was like a training session because they finished with 31 shots, 14 on target, and 72 percent of possession. Next, they defeated Zamora 3-0. Several usual starting players got some action, including Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the third goal.
Most recently, Real Sociedad suffered a little to beat Leganes 3-2. They were up 2-0, but the home side evened the score in the second half thanks to Juan Munoz. He scored twice in a 10-minute span. Once again, Oyarzabal came to the rescue and scored the winning goal from the penalty spot.
This will be their first home game in the tournament. In La Liga, Real Sociedad has been considerably better when playing at home. Another reason for you to consider including them in your soccer picks is that they haven’t played since Jan. 8. Fresher legs can make a huge difference.
Real Sociedad’s predicted lineup: Alex Remiro; Andoni Gorosabel, Igor Zubeldia, Robin Le Normand, Diego Rico; Adnan Januzaj, Ander Guevara, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Oyarzabal; Alexander Sorloth, Alexander Isak.
Atletico Madrid: One Game at a Time
Atletico Madrid just suffered another disappointing defeat. Los Colchoneros lost 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup. Initially, that was Atletico’s best shot at winning something.
Los Colchoneros are still competing in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League but aren’t the soccer betting favorites. That’s why they need to focus exclusively on the next game.
In the Round of 32, Atletico crushed Rayo Majadahonda 5-0. Matheus Cunha, Renan Lodi, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Joao Felix were the scorers. As you can see, head coach Diego Simeone didn’t hold back. Not winning anything could cost him his job.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak also deserves some praise. Atletico Madrid was the only powerhouse to finish its Round of 32 game with a clean sheet. Oblak is one of the main reasons why Atletico hasn’t fallen into a severe crisis, especially after losing four games in a row for the first time since Simeone took over in 2011.
Jose Maria Gimenez won’t be available due to suspension while Griezmann is injured. Good thing Atletico’s front office built a deep roster with talent to spare, right?
Atletico Madrid’s predicted lineup: Jan Oblak; Sime Vrsaljko, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Mario Hermoso; Marcos Llorente, Thomas Lemar, Koke, Rodrigo de Paul, Yannick Carrasco; Joao Felix, Luis Suarez.
Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid Head to Head
- Previous Matches: 146
- Real Sociedad Victories: 44 (180 goals)
- Atletico Madrid Victories: 72 (255 goals)
- Draws: 30
Expect quite a show. Their first meeting of the season was a goal-fest that ended 2-2. The game was at Wanda Metropolitano and Atletico had to overcome a two-goal deficit. Sorloth and Isak scored for Real Sociedad while Suarez scored twice for Los Colchoneros.
Real Sociedad couldn’t beat Atletico in their last four meetings. However, the last three times they did were all home games.
Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid Information
Date: Wednesday
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Reale Arena, San Sebastian
Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid Live Stream: fuboTV
Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid Betting Lines
Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
Real Sociedad | pk -105 | +180 | 2½ +120o | ½ -220o ½ +175u |
Atletico Madrid | pk -125 | +160 | 2½ -150u | 1½ +160o 1½ -200u |
Draw | +220 |
Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid Prediction
Atletico Madrid is well known for its defensive mindset, but there’s no more time for that. Los Colchoneros need to take the reins right from the start and attack with no mercy. Yes, Griezmann is out, but the team’s top scorer is Suarez. Besides, Felix and Cunha are talented enough to replace the French striker. That’s why I recommend you include Atletico going over 1½ goals in your online gambling ticket.
Playing at home, Real Sociedad will put up a good fight, so you should also consider the total going over.
Score Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2, Real Sociedad 1