Ponferradina vs. Real Sociedad: Spanish Cup Match Prediction
The 1/16 finals of the Spanish Cup will feature a clash between Ponferradina and Real Sociedad on January 5. Of course, the hosts are considered clear underdogs. Will it really be like that? You will find the answer and trending bets in the forecast

Command Analysis

Ponferradina

Current form
Ponferradina has been showing a confident game this season. In the last round of the championship, the team won against Tarazona with a score of 2:0, which allowed it to gain 30 points and take third place in the standings. At the previous stage of the Spanish Cup, Xavi Rey charges met with Castellon. Regular time ended in a 1:1 draw, and only in a penalty shootout did Ponferradina manage to secure a place in the 1/16 finals.
Disqualifications and injuries
According to the information available, there are no suspended players in the Ponferradina squad, but the participation of the following players is in question: Jonathan Dubasin (injury) and Juanma (injury)
Interesting trends for betting
- Ponferradina are unbeaten in their last five matches, winning three and drawing two.
- The team has scored at least one goal in four of its last five matches
- Ponferradina have won their last three home games by two goals
Tentative lineup: Bernabeu - Sina, Ricuenco, Fernandez, Rodriguez - Olivarez, Alvarez, Ramirez - Amod, Carcaba, Caballero

Real Sociedad

Current form
Real Sociedad performance looked unstable at the start of the season, but the team is gradually getting back into shape. Despite a two-game streak in La Liga without scoring, the Basques lost their last game to Celta (0:2) and are currently in seventh place. They are three points away from the European Cup zone, and they have a game in hand.
In the last round of the Sun Cup, Imanol Alguacil men met with Conquense. Regular time ended in a 0-0 draw, and only Mendes' goal in extra time secured a minimal victory and passage to the next stage. The match against Ponferradina will be another opportunity for Real Sociedad to demonstrate their class against a lower-level opponent.
Disqualifications and injuries
The club faces a number of personnel issues. The following will be absent from the match: Zakharyan (ankle injury), Marin (muscle injury), Aguerde (knee injury), Turrientes (hip problem) and Traore (long-term recovery).
Interesting trends for betting
- Real Sociedad have scored in four of their last five away games
- The Basques have conceded just three goals in their last five matches in all competitions
- Real Sociedad have consistently advanced to the Copa del Rey round of 16 in the previous three seasons
Estimated line-up: Remiro - Gorozabel, Cardona, Le Normand, Munioz - Subimendi, Mendez, Silva - Cubo, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal.
Trends
Bet Exact score 0:2
One of the last two away wins was by this score
5.00Real Sociedad to score in both halves
In the last two matches, Ponferradina conceded in two 45-minute periods
1.85Bet "Ponferradina" will not score
Real Sociedad have kept two clean sheets in their last four away wins
1.90Tip and bets
Copa del Rey matches are often accompanied by cautious play, especially when it comes to clashes between teams from different divisions. In this case, Real Sociedad, although favorites, are unlikely to take excessive risks given the tight schedule and personnel losses. Imanol Alguacil charges have failed to score in the last two La Liga games, which indicates temporary problems in attack.
Ponferradina, in turn, are famous for their organized defense, especially at home. In the last five matches, the team has conceded only three goals, and their game is based on containing the opponent and using rare moments on counterattacks. The match will probably be played with a minimum number of scoring opportunities.
Our prediction is total under 2.5 goals with odds of 1.85
Bet on the outcome
Real Sociedad are clear favourites in the match against Ponferradina. The Basques have a much higher class, which allows them to confidently pass such stages of the Spanish Cup. Despite the current difficulties with the results in La Liga, the level of the opponent from the third division is noticeably inferior, and the guests should achieve victory on class. Even taking into account the possible rotation, Real Sociedad is unlikely to miss the opportunity to reach the next round.
Our prediction is Asian handicap (-1) on Real Sociedad and we bet on it with odds of 1.96
Bet on corners
Ponferradina usually play defensively and allow their opponents to actively press their goal. Real Sociedad is famous for its play on the flanks and a high number of crosses, which leads to frequent corners. Given the difference in class, the visitors should dominate in this component, especially if the match goes according to their scenario.
Forecast - total corners over 9.5 with odds of 1.90