Real Sociedad Advances in Copa del Rey Amid Zubimendi Transfer Rumors

SAN SEBASTIÁN, Spain — Real Sociedad secured their place in the Copa del Rey round of 16 with a 0-2 victory over Ponferradina on January 15, 2025, but the team now faces a grueling schedule and mounting transfer rumors surrounding star midfielder Martín Zubimendi.

The Basque club’s next challenge comes on Thursday, January 16, against Rayo Vallecano in the Copa del Rey. The match follows a tight turnaround after Real Sociedad’s 2-1 league victory over Villarreal on Monday, January 13. Rayo Vallecano, meanwhile, enjoyed three additional days of rest after their Friday match, raising concerns about fatigue for the Real Sociedad squad.

Adding to the pressure, Real Sociedad’s league match on January 19 was rescheduled to 9:00 p.m., conflicting with San Sebastián’s annual Tamborrada festival, a cherished local tradition. A club statement expressed disappointment: “January 19 is the most special night of the year for San Sebastián, Azpeitia, and all Donostiarras and Azpeitiarras. We tried to keep the match at its original time, but it was not possible.”

Off the field, speculation about Zubimendi’s future has intensified. The 25-year-old midfielder, who rejected a move to Liverpool last summer, is now linked with Arsenal and Real Madrid. Arsenal’s interest is reportedly bolstered by the presence of former Real Sociedad assistant Mikel Arteta as their manager. Zubimendi’s recent ankle injury, sustained in a clash with Villarreal’s Álex Baena, has not deterred suitors, as he is expected to be fit for Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash.

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil addressed the media on Wednesday, confirming Zubimendi’s availability and expressing confidence in his squad. “It’s a life-or-death match, and that will give us strength. We want to win and advance. We want to play well and control the ball, but the most important thing is to win,” Alguacil said.

Alguacil also praised Rayo Vallecano’s aggressive style, highlighting their pressing and attacking threats, particularly Álvaro and Isi. “They have very vertical players, their fullbacks join quickly, and they bring a lot of speed and intensity. Defensively, they are very aggressive,” he noted.

Despite last year’s heartbreaking semifinal loss to Mallorca in a penalty shootout, Alguacil revealed his team did not practice penalties ahead of Thursday’s match. “The context of a shootout is totally different,” he explained, emphasizing his focus on winning within regulation time.

Real Sociedad will also welcome back goalkeeper Álex Remiro, who has been sidelined due to personal reasons, while Arsen Zakharyan remains doubtful with a recurring ankle injury.