On 4 February 2026, Real Sociedad secured a 2‑1 victory over Alavés at Mendizorrotza Stadium, advancing to the Copa del Rey semi‑finals. Álvaro García opened the scoring for Alavés, Mikel Oyarzábal equalised for Sociedad, and Alexander Isak clinched the winner with a header in the 68th minute, sealing the Basque derby win.
Key Moments of the Match
The game began with Alavés pressing high and earning a 12th‑minute lead when Álvaro García capitalised on a loose ball inside the box. Real Sociedad responded by shifting to a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, allowing Mikel Oyarzábal to level the score in the 34th minute after a precise pass from Mikel Merino.
In the second half, Sociedad dominated possession and tempo. A well‑timed run by Alexander Isak forced a defensive error, and he headed home from a corner in the 68th minute to give Sociedad the decisive lead. Alavés pushed forward in the final ten minutes, but a crucial clearance by Aritz Elustondo in the 88th minute preserved the win.
Statistical Overview
- Possession: Sociedad 52% – Alavés 48%
- Shots on target: 14 combined
- Distance covered: Sociedad 10.5 km per player, Alavés 11.2 km per player
- High‑speed runs: Sociedad averaged 23 per player, giving them a physical edge in the closing stages
Context and Background
This quarter‑final continued a historic Basque rivalry that dates back to the 1970s. Real Sociedad entered the cup as a top‑four LaLiga side with Champions League qualification secured, while newly promoted Alavés were fighting to establish themselves in the top flight.
Alavés reached the quarter‑finals after a 3‑0 win over Cultural Leonesa and a penalty shootout victory against Racing Santander. Sociedad’s cup run featured a 4‑0 demolition of CD Tenerife and a 2‑1 win over Granada CF, reflecting their strong league form (second place with 18 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses).
Implications of the Result
Real Sociedad’s win propels them into the semi‑finals, where they will face either FC Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao. A place in the final guarantees a UEFA Europa League spot, providing a safety net if league qualification falls short.
For Alavés, the defeat ends a promising cup run but offers valuable experience against elite opposition as they aim to maintain their LaLiga status.
Technical Analysis
Juan Carlos Pérez, performance analyst, highlighted Sociedad’s rapid transition from high press to controlled possession. He noted that midfielder Mikel Merino acted as the fulcrum, enabling wingers to exploit half‑spaces. Pérez emphasized the importance of rehearsed set‑piece routines, citing Isak’s decisive header as a textbook example of a well‑executed corner.
Looking Ahead
Real Sociedad will focus on tactical flexibility and squad rotation ahead of a potential semi‑final clash with Barcelona, whose cup ambitions remain strong. Alavés will regroup to consolidate their LaLiga position and aim for another cup surprise next season.
