Alavés host Real Sociedad at Mendizorrotza on Wednesday evening in a Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash between two Basque rivals. The hosts sit 15th in La Liga with 22 points from 21 matches, while Real Sociedad occupy 8th place on 27 points. Eduardo Coudet's side enter as underdogs against their regional neighbors, but recent history at this venue favors the home team in this rivalry.
Alavés have found their footing under Coudet since his December 2024 appointment, particularly in home matches. Carlos Vicente leads the attack with five goals in four Cup appearances, supported by Toni Martínez and Mariano, who have combined for six more. The hosts will miss Lucas Boyé through a groin injury, while defenders Abdul Mumin and Luiz Felipe remain sidelined with long-term issues. Alavés beat Real Sociedad 1-0 at Mendizorrotza in both December 2025 and April 2025, giving them confidence heading into this knockout tie.
Real Sociedad face significant personnel challenges for this quarterfinal trip. Takefusa Kubo remains out with a hamstring injury until March, removing their most creative threat from the equation. Yangel Herrera and Orri Oskarsson are both doubtful with muscle problems, potentially weakening midfield and attack. Beñat Turrientes has stepped up with two goals in recent Cup outings, but La Real's scoring has been inconsistent—they managed just five goals across their last five league fixtures.
The teams have met 72 times across all competitions, with Real Sociedad holding the historical advantage. Alavés have won the last two home meetings by identical 1-0 scorelines, though Real Sociedad claimed a 2-1 victory in August 2024 at this same stadium. Cup matches between these rivals typically produce tighter affairs than their league encounters.
I'm backing Both Teams To Score at 2.00. Alavés have scored in four of their last five home matches, while Real Sociedad have found the net in six of their last eight away fixtures across all competitions. Alavés conceded in 11 of 21 league matches this season, and Real Sociedad have kept just three clean sheets on the road. The xG projection (1.40–1.14) supports a 1-1 finish.