PSG’s future opponents, Real Sociedad, are wasted in Mallorca in the Spanish Cup

A week ahead of their clash against PSG at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 (February 14), the pressure is already starting to mount for Real Sociedad as they eye the fixture. An appointment marked in red ink on the calendar and which, in a sense, erases everything else… or almost.

Three matches away from a potential title in the Spanish Cup, Immanuel Alguacil have chosen to put all their strength into the battle against Mallorca in the first leg of the semi-final this Tuesday. Champions League or not. The Basques were able to field a normal eleven, with the exception of the injured Mikel Oyerzabal this weekend against Girona (0-0). A small miracle as injuries have recently destroyed Txuri-Urdinak. Physically rocked by a Mallorca team led by the eternal Javier Aguirre, Real did not show their advantage elsewhere in the first period. However, there is no reason to forget your good protective habits.

Huge opportunity taken by Sadiq

Despite a series of injuries and playing pressure, for the first time since 2004, in the round of 16 of the Champions League, Real have had the third-best defense in La Liga (21 goals conceded). Against the Balearic team, Robin Le Normand’s teammates were saved against Girona, although they could have conceded a goal if Abdon Prats had aimed his shot freely at the entrance to the penalty area from Alex Ramiro (52nd).

Omar Sadiq, for his part, missed a solitary, unforgettable miss against Dominic Greif, after some fine work from Takefusa Kubo on the left (71st). After matches against Girona and Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, La Real finally pocketed the draw they clearly came for, a third in a row without a goal. In decline from the end of 2023, Real will not present itself against the Parisians in the best conditions. But it is a safe bet that during such an anticipated meeting, the intentions will not be the same.