Evening all! Our Copa del Rey quarter-final coverage continues this evening as Real Sociedad welcome Racing de Santander in the first leg. The home side enter the match off the back of a 2-2 draw in La Liga against Getafe, while Racing were 1-0 winners over Guijuelo in the Segunda Division on their home patch.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Sociedad have won two of the last five matches, with Racing also winning once during that run of games. The last time the two sides met in this stadium was in a La Liga clash in April 2012, when Sociedad were 3-0 winners. However, much has changed at both clubs since then.

TEAMS:

SOCIEDAD: Zubikarai; Zaldua, Mikel, I Martinez, Angel; Gaztanaga, Ros, Prieto; Vela, Seferovic, Castro

RACING: Mario; Francis, Oriol, Barrio, Inaki; Andreu, Garcia; Soria, Kone, Miguelez; Lafuente

So there we have it. No Antoine Griezmann or Agirretxe in the Sociedad XI this evening, but Carlos Vela and Chorey Castro both start. There are also spots for Joseba Zaldua and Jon Gaztanaga. Racing, meanwhile, bring Ivorian Koke into their XI. Ander Lafuente and Miguelez also start, but Mariano Sanz is on the bench.

While Sociedad have graced the heights of the Champions League this season after finishing fourth in La Liga in the 2012/13 campaign, Racing find themselves in the Segunda B. They were relegated from La Liga in the 2011/12 campaign, before dropping out of the Segunda Division last season.

Racing have not reached the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey since the 2000/01 season, when they were also relegated from La Liga. The Segunda B side moved past L’Hospitalet and Leganes in the early stages of the competition, before incredibly overcoming La Liga duo Sevilla and Almeria to book their spot against Sociedad.

The away side have also enjoyed success in their domestic league this season with 41 points from their 21 matches leaving them top of the Segunda B. They have not lost in any competition since suffering a 1-0 reverse against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey at the beginning of December, while they have not lost in the league since November 17, when they were beaten 1-0 by Burgos.

Sociedad, meanwhile, overcame Algeciras in the fourth round of the competition before beating Villarreal 1-0 at El Madrigal in the last-16 stage. The Basque outfit have only won this particular competition once (1987), but have been runners-up on five occasions. They were also surprisingly knocked out of last season’s competition in the early stages by Cordoba.

In terms of Sociedad’s league campaign, they currently sit sixth in La Liga having taken 33 points from their 20 matches. They have won nine of their league games, drawing six times and losing five. As it stands, they are four points behind fifth-place Villarreal and six from Athletic Bilbao, who currently occupy fourth.

PREDICTION: In truth, Sociedad should win this match comfortably, but Racing have shown that they can compete with teams at this level this season. That said, I think this one will be a step too far and I am backing Sociedad to claim a 2-0 first-leg win at San Sebastian.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for an entertaining fixture at San Sebastian. The away side get the action underway.

Not a full house in the stadium this evening - far from it in fact - but there is a strong atmosphere. You just get the feeling that Racing need to stay in the match this evening. An away goal would aid their chances ahead of the second leg next week. Fairly low-key start to proceedings, but Sociedad are enjoying a spell of possession.

Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Levante against Barcelona - be sure to remain with us for that one. Racing have not really had a kick in the opening four minutes, but Sociedad are yet to threaten.

The first half-chance falls to Sociedad as Castro delivers a low cross into the near post, but Seferovic's effort is deflected over the crossbar by Francis.

Well, that didn't take long. Sociedad lead inside four minutes as Mikel Gonzalez converts a Castro cross from close range. Fantastic start from the home side. Racing really need to settle in the early exchanges here.

Racing just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Castro collects possession on the left before driving anther low cross towards Ros, but Soria is on hand to clear the danger. Plenty of intent from the home side with Ros and Prieto both given licence to break from midfield.

Racing have managed to stem the flow of traffic in the last couple of moments with the likes of Saul and Andreu enjoying possession of the ball, but Kone has been isolated in the final third thus far. Sociedad remain a threat in wide positions, meanwhile, with Castro stretching the play whenever possible.

Wow - the rain is really coming down now. Where did that come from?! There was a hint of a shower in the minutes leading up to kickoff, but the heavens have now opened. Not too much to report in terms of chances, however, as Sociedad continue to dictate the tempo in the middle of the park.

Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come next week. However, an away goal for Racing would hand them confidence. The referee has been forced into action on a number of occasions in the last couple of moments as late challenges arrive from both sides.

Another half-chance for the home side as Castro delivers a dangerous cross towards Seferovic, but Mario Fernandez just manages to palm clear at the vital moment. Ros delivers another cross into the Racing box moments later, but Oriol manages to shepherd it behind for a goal kick. Still 1-0 Sociedad after 16 minutes.

Good spell for Racing in the last couple of moments as they enjoy a passing sequence outside the Sociedad box and they gain a free kick when Gaztanaga fells Inaki. The latter delivers the set piece into the box, but Mikel is on hand to clear the danger.

Half-chance for the away side this time as Lafuente finds some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Kone's bursts into life moments later with a mazy run, but Inigo Martinez is across to clear. Can the away side take advantage of this positive spell?

Frustration for Sociedad in the last couple of moments with a series of offside calls going against the home side. The rain continues to fall, which is not helping the state of the pitch. Racing have certainly settled after a shaky start, but are yet to threaten Zubikarai in the Sociedad goal.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sociedad to double their lead as Prieto finds the run of Castro inside the Racing box, but the attacker can only slide his effort wide of the post. Racing are living dangerously here with their high line.

Racing just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as another half-chance arrives for the home side. This time Vela is on hand to meet a low cross from Prieto, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. We have seen little from the likes of Kone and Miguelez in the away side's attack thus far. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.

CHANCE! One-way traffic as Sociedad continue to flood the Racing box. First, Mario Fernandez just beats Prieto to a through pass inside the box, before the Racing goalkeeper denies Seferovic from outside the box. A second at this stage would hurt Racing there is no question about that.

CROSSBAR! Racing burst into life as Saul drives past two defenders on the edge of the box, but Inigo Martinez is penalised for handball. The resulting set piece is taken by Andreu, but his effort is pushed onto the crossbar by Zubikarai.

The end-to-end period of the match continues as Seferovic turns on the edge of the box before feeding a low ball towards Vela, but Oriol is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as the chances continue to arrive.

Sociedad have their second 10 minutes before the interval as Mikel converts a low cross from Castro at the far post. A brace for the centre-back. Racing are in trouble here.

In truth, it had been coming. Racing have had their moments, but have really struggled to match the intensity from the La Liga side. That said, an away goal for Racing would make such a difference to their chances in the second leg. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining at the San Sebastian.

Another half-chance for the home side as Castro finds more space down the left before drilling a low cross into the box, but Mario is on hand to claim. Those in attendance have found their voices in the latter stages of the first period. Racing, however, continue to struggle in the final third, with Kone a spectator.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Sociedad continue to dominate possession of the ball. Unless Racing can find an away goal, Sociedad will be the firm favourites to advance into the semi-finals. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining in this Copa del Rey quarter-final.

Ros attempts to force the issue for the home side as he drives past two challenges on the edge of the box before rolling a cross towards Castro, but Saul is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Racing break down the other end with Inaki, but his cross is collected by the Sociedad stopper. That has been the story of the half for Racing thus far.

Sociedad have the ball in the back of the net through Vela, but the offside flag is raised, much to the frustration of the Mexican. That should be about it for the first period.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Sociedad leading this quarter-final first leg 2-0 courtesy of a brace from Mikel Gonzalez. Racing have had their moments on the counter, but have thus far struggled to cope with the intensity from the La Liga outfit.

STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 63%, while they have had nine attempts - five of which have been on target - to Racing's six. In truth, a 2-0 separation at this stage is just about a fair reflection of the events at San Sebastian.

BENCH WATCH: Plenty of attacking talent on the Sociedad bench this evening with Griezmann, Agirretxe and Ruben Pardo all in reserve. Meanwhile, Racing have the likes of Mariano Sanz and Ruben Duran on their bench.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Levante against Barcelona - be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway. Can Racing register a vital away goal?

No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect the away side will look to their bench if the score remains 2-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Not too much to report in the opening moments of the second period, but Racing are enjoying possession of the ball.

Half-chance for the away side as Miguelez whips a cross towards Soria, but Inigo Martinez just manages to flick behind his own crossbar. The resulting set piece is taken by Saul, but Zubikarai is out to collect. Positive start from Racing, but they are yet to really threaten the Sociedad goal.

Another shooting chance for Racing arrives following smart work from Inaki, but Saul's effort is deflected wide of the post. Sociedad are coasting at the moment, which is not being well received by their supporters. The home side do break with Castro moments later, but the attacker is crowded out at the vital moment, before Angel fires high and wide.

CHANCE! Racing's best chance of the match falls to Miguelez as the Spaniard turns inside the box before attempting to slide one into the bottom corner, but Zubikarai is on hand to make a fine save. A Racing goal at this stage would change the atmosphere inside the stadium.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with a series of altercations between both sets of players, but the official is on hand to calm proceedings. The better chances have fallen to Racing in the second period, but Sociedad remain a threat on the counter.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sociedad to score their third as Castro finds Seferovic inside the Racing box, but his effort is straight at Mario from close range. Little over 30 minutes of this Copa del Rey contest remaining.

Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come next week. We are entering the period of the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening as Mario denies Angel from inside the box.

Racing make their first change of the match as Lafuente is replaced by Mariano Sanz, who scored in the last round against Almeria. Still no movement on the Sociedad bench, but they have the likes of Agirretxe and Griezmann in reserve. It remains 2-1 with little over 25 minutes to play.

Sociedad have their third of the match as Vela collects a loose ball inside the box before curling his effort into the far corner. That could be game, set and match.

Sociedad make their first change of the match as Zurutuza replaces Vela, who hardly featured before scoring his side's third. Racing follow with their second change as Granero replaces Soria. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining. Sociedad lead 3-0 at San Sebastian.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Sociedad are dominating possession of the ball. Another goal for the home side and you would have to think that is tie over, but a goal for Rayo would put this one in the balance ahead of the second leg next week.

Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Levante against Barcelona - be sure to remain with us for that one. Racing just cannot keep the ball at the moment as the home side continue to flood forward.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Seferovic as the Swiss is found by Prieto inside the Racing box, but he can only slide his effort wide of the post. It hasn't quite been the Sociedad forward's night thus far. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining.

Sociedad make their second change of the match as Ruben Pardo enters for Ros, who has impressed this evening. Moments later, Racing make their third and final sub as Miguelez is replaced by Duran. It is all or nothing for Racing at this stage of proceedings. They surely need an away goal.

Another half-chance for Sociedad as Castro drills a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it is deflected into the arms of Mario. The home supporters have found their voices in the last few moments as we enter the latter stages of the second period.

One-way traffic in the last few moments as Sociedad continue to force the issue in the final third. Eventually Seferovic strikes one from outside the box, but Mario is on hand to make the save. It appears that the home side are preparing to make their third and final change with 78 minutes on the clock.

Indeed the change is made and it is a positive one as Griezmann enters the field in place of Prieto. Sociedad know that another goal at this stage of proceedings would all but end this tie ahead of the second leg. Can Racing force that elusive away goal?

Opportunity for Racing to force the issue from a free kick as Saul delivers one towards the far post, but Kone can only loop his header high and wide of the crossbar. It has been a good effort from Racing, but they have fallen short this evening. Possibly one step too far.

Half-chance for Sociedad to make it 4-0 as Seferovic finds some space on the edge of the box, but he can only curl his effort high and wide of the crossbar. It really has not been his night thus far that is for certain. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Levante against Barcelona - be sure to remain with us for that.

Well, that has changed the atmosphere inside the stadium. Rayo have their away goal as Kone heads a whipped cross from Inaki into the back of the net from close range.

It is still a big task for Racing next week, but they have given themselves a fighting chance there is no question about that. Can Sociedad respond? Griezmann delivers a low cross into the box, but Mario is on hand to claim at the vital moment. Little under five minutes remaining.

Racing have found a second wind in the last few moments with that goal handing them new-found confidence. The Segunda B side force two corners in quick succession, but Inigo Martinez and Angel take it in turns to clear the danger. Little over one minute of normal time remaining and Racing have a free kick just outside the box.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Racing to score a second as Sanz meets a deep cross from Saul, but his header just drops wide of the post. What has happened to Sociedad?!

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the third of those. The pressure continues from Racing, but it does appear that Sociedad will hold onto their 3-1 lead. It has been a pulsating contest.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first leg to an end with Sociedad running out 3-1 winners. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Levante against Barcelona. Until then!