The Basque team won over Ponferradina from the fourth department in the last round, while Rayo sent Racing Ferrol from the Second department to continue their cup trip.
The Royal Society arrives for the seventh consecutive time to the 16 round after exceeding the first 3 rounds of the Copa del Rey.
After thrashing Jove Espanol 5-0 in their opening cup game, La Real were given a much tougher test in the second-round tie against fourth-tier Conquense, claiming a 1-0 extra-time victory to set up a meeting with Ponferradina.
The Basque side managed to do a lighter job in their third-round clash, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Mendez notching a 2-0 win in Real Sociedad’s first outing in 2025.
La Real backed up that result with a 1-0 victory in Saturday’s home league game against Villarreal, which came courtesy of Take Kubo’s fourth goal of the season, moving them up to seventh place and to within two points of the top six.
Thanks to this close victory, the Royal Society has played five of its last six official games at home, keeping the goal blank in those six games, so it has not conceded any goal in the Reale Arena since its 2-0 defeat before Osasuna. At the end of October.
They can also take confidence from the fact that they have won each of their last three last-16 ties, including a 2-0 away victory over Osasuna at this stage of last season’s competition.
Rayo Vallecano makes its back-to-back appearance moment in the circular of 16 after scoring 11 goals in 3 games to prepare for Thursday’s clash with the true partnership.
After sweeping past Villamuriel via a 5-0 scoreline, Rayo fought back from two goals down to clinch a 3-2 victory over Unionista de Salamanca in the second round, before they went on to claim a 3-1 win over second-tier Racing Ferrol thanks to a Jorge de Frutos brace and a Pacha Espino effort.
They followed up their third circular win with a successful outing in Friday’s La Liga clash against Celta Vigo, with Adri Embarba and De Frutos scoring a goal to clinch a 2-1 win, putting them in ninth place in the standings.
Impressively, Los Franjirrojos have now avoided defeat in each of their last seven competitive matches (W4, D3) since they lost 2-1 at home to Athletic Club at the start of December.
They will be desperate to extend their unbeaten run on Thursday’s trip, as the visitors will win at the Reale Arena for the second time this season after claiming a 2-1 victory in August’s league match.
If they can repeat that success, Rayo will reach the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey for the first time since 2021-22, when they qualified for the round of 16 with Andoni Iraola.
Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil are unable to call upon the defensive duo of Alvaro Odriozola and Hamari Traore due to quad and knee injuries respectively.
Martin Zubimendi and Aritz Elustondo will want to be assessed through the club doctor after resuming blows in Monday’s win over Villarreal.
Defender Igor Zubeldia will be available for selection after serving a one-match ban for an accumulation of yellow cards.
Meanwhile, Rayo would possibly have to make do without goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who has missed the last two games with a knee injury.
Dani Cardenas is set to make a third consecutive start between the posts, while Ivan Balliu and Espino could come into the backline for Thursday’s fixture.
Oscar Valentin may come into the side to fresh up the midfield, where he could be joined by Pathe Ciss, who is expected to retain his place, especially as he will have to serve a one-match ban for the upcoming league game against Osasuna for an accumulation of yellow cards.
Real Sociedad Possible Startep Linep: Marrero; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Pacheco, López; Kubo, Méndez, Torrients, Somino, Gómez; Oyarzabal
Rayo Vallecano Possible line: Cárdenas; Balliu, Mumin, Lejeune, Chavarria; Valentin, CISS; Of fruits, palazón, embba; Camel
Rayo may have already won at the Reale Arena this season, but this time they will face a Real Sociedad team that has won five of its last six games, and we believe the hosts will take all the credit for the team’s advantage. to his league compatriot in Thursday’s cup match.
For final probable maximum data, scores and more for this match, click here.