What: Spanish Copa del Rey Semi-final – Second-leg
Who: Real Sociedad (0) vs Barcelona (2) (First-leg score in brackets)
When: Wednesday 12th February, 2014, at 21:00 UK Time
Where: Anoeta Stadium, San Sebastian, Spain

Magical Night

Real Sociedad’s hopes of making their first Copa del Rey final since 1988 are at stake as they hope to reverse a 2-0 deficit they recorded at the Camp Nou against Barcelona almost a week ago. Against the Blaugrana, La Real naturally will be facing one of Spain’s top teams, and they will need to play their best football in a while should they want to reverse the aggregate score and go on to the final.

Despite facing a mammoth task to overcome, defender Ion Ansotegi still believes that qualification to the next round is still possible for the Basque outfit, should the Anoeta Stadium be in full support of the players. 

“On our part we are tremendously excited by the idea of being one step away from the final, we know that it will be very difficult, but we never had a chance to play a final, and perhaps it will be the only one. Let the fans believe, let there be a magical feeling at the Anoeta, all this can help in not making Barca the Barca they are", declared the central defender.

Real Sociedad have scored at least twice in their last three home games against the Blaugrana, and they certainly will not lie down without a fight this time around.

Back in the Game

Any clouds that might have gathered above the Camp Nou were quickly dispersed as Barcelona set a firm foot in the Copa del Rey semi-final and regained the league leadership from Atletico Madrid after another impressive away victory over Sevilla. Ahead of the second leg against Real Sociedad, Barcelona are expected to go through, but will have to face be cautious as they have not exactly been at ease when facing La Real in San Sebastian.

Back in the game in the league after their win over the Andalucians, midfielder Cesc Fabregas highlighted the importance of this achievement ahead of their upcoming games. 

“It was important to go top again. The circumstances perhaps weren’t the best but in the end we won the match. When you have a chance you have to take advantage of it. I think this victory will give us strength ahead of the match on Wednesday [against Real Sociedad] and for the games to come after that”, said the former Arsenal captain.

Barcelona have scored at least twice in their last six games against Real Sociedad. Barring any major setback, Gerardo Martino’s side are expected to go through to the final.
 

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Real Sociedad:
Atletico Madrid 4-0 Real Sociedad (02/02; La Liga)
Barcelona 2-0 Real Sociedad (05/02; Copa del Rey)
Real Sociedad 0-0 Levante (09/02; La Liga)

Barcelona:
Barcelona 2-3 Valencia (01/02; La Liga)
Barcelona 2-0 Real Sociedad (05/02; Copa del Rey)
Sevilla 1-4 Barcelona (09/02; La Liga)

Key absences

Real Sociedad: Markel Bergara; Alberto de la Bella; Daniel Estrada; Esteban Granero; Inigo Martinez (suspended)

Barcelona: Neymar; Jonathan dos Santos 

Players to watch

Real Sociedad – Carlos Vela: The Mexican was furious after having been denied a penalty by the referee in the first-leg as Javier Mascherano brought him down. Eager to reverse the tie and make history with his side, he will be full of confidence on the night.

Barcelona – Lionel Messi: The Barcelona leader was back to scoring ways with two goals against Sevilla. Realising that he is having his worst season in some time, Rosario’s own will have the opportunity to put Real Sociedad to the sword and guide his team to the final.

Match Prediction

Barcelona have suffered in recent games against Real Sociedad, but still command an advantage going into this one. With the team showing their ability on the road, they are still expected to win against their guests and go all the way to the final. Real Sociedad 1-2 Barcelona.

Betting on Real Sociedad v Barcelona? Make sure you visit Inside Bet first!
 

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