Malaga vs Real Sociedad
Copa del Rey
Third Round
Sunday
7th January 2024
La Rosaleda
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Copa del Rey Third Round fixture between Malaga and Real Sociedad.
Malaga vs Real Sociedad: Preview
Malaga form analysis
Los Boquerones have produced some inconsistent league form recently, despite progressing in the Copa del Rey. They started this run with a goalless draw at home against Sanluqueño on December 3rd. Malaga then secured a narrow 1-0 home win over Eldense in the Copa del Rey on December 6th thanks to Juanpe’s 41st minute goal. Malaga followed up with an important 2-1 away win against Mérida in the league on December 10th, overturning Chuma’s 20th minute opener for Mérida through a Roberto Fernández penalty and David Larrubia’s strike.
Los Albicelestes then defeated Algeciras 2-1 at home in the league on December 18th courtesy of goals from Gabilondo and Roberto Fernández either side of Pimienta’s temporary equalizer, despite having Genaro Rodríguez sent off. However, Malaga then had to settle for a 2-2 away draw against struggling Intercity on January 3rd, twice blowing the lead through sloppy defending before Dani Lorenzo’s last minute equalizer salvaged a point. Overall, Malaga’s league form shows room for improvement defensively and in seeing out games, although their attacking quality helped them grind out results. Addressing defensive issues could aid their promotion push.
Real Sociedad form analysis
Real Sociedad’s recent La Liga form has been inconsistent despite a strong win in early December. They started this run of games with a 1-1 away draw against Osasuna on December 3rd; Moi Gómez put Osasuna ahead early before Umar Sadiq equalized for Sociedad on 41 minutes. Sociedad then produced their best performance of late by trouncing Villarreal 3-0 away on December 9th courtesy of second half goals from Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi and Takefusa Kubo. However, Sociedad failed to build on that result, grinding out back-to-back goalless away draws against Real Betis and Cádiz on December 17th and 21st respectively.
Most recently on January 2nd at home, Sociedad had to settle for a 1-1 draw against struggling Alavés after conceding a 76th minute Luis Rioja penalty before Martín Zubimendi grabbed them a stoppage time equalizer. Overall, while Sociedad have been solid defensively, their lack of attacking flair and clinical edge in recent games has led to their charge up the table stalling. Recapturing early season form in attack could reignite their push for a European spot.
