Barcelona’s quest to win a record 32nd Copa del Rey continues with a quarter-final against Real Sociedad.
Xavi’s men have looked formidable in domestic competitions despite another early Champions League elimination this season.
La Real, meanwhile, have won their last nine games on the spin and are out to win their second national trophy in four years having won the delayed 2020 Copa del Rey.
Here’s everything you need to know about their matchup.
United Kingdom
United States
Canada
Barcelona team news
Xavi has every member of his first team squad available to him for Wednesday’s visit of Real Sociedad.
Though Robert Lewandowski still has one more game to serve of his extensive La Liga ban, he is eligible to feature in the Copa del Rey.
(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Garcia, Alba; Busquets, Pedri, De Jong; Dembele, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Real Sociedad team news
Xavi may have a full squad to choose from, but the same cannot be said for La Real counterpart Imanol Alguacil.
The visitors are likely to be without seven key names due to injuries. Mikel Merino, Ander Guevara Alex Sola are expected to miss out with muscle problems, while Andoni Gorosabel and Martin Merquelanz have leg issues.
Mohamed-Ali Cho and Jon Pacheco have recently been sidelined with physical discomfort. Umar Sadiq is a long-term injury concern.
(4-3-1-2): Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Rico; Illarramendi, Mendez, Zubimendi; Silva; Sorloth, Oyarzabal
If there’s a Spanish side capable of toppling Barcelona right now, it’s Real Sociedad.
Unfortunately for La Real, such a task with so many injury concerns makes this a huge uphill battle, particularly given Barça’s fit squad and the freshness of Lewandowski.
They’ll put up a good fight, but the visitors are likely to return to San Sebastian following cup elimination.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Real Sociedad
