Real Madrid secured their place in the Copa del Rey final with a breathtaking victory over Real Sociedad, highlighted by a decisive goal from Antonio Rüdiger. Carlo Ancelotti's side progressed despite a 4-4 draw in the second leg of the semi-final at their home ground, the Santiago Bernabéu, on Tuesday night (April 1st, local time). Their 1-0 win in the first leg proved crucial in the end.
The score remained level until the 71st minute when a David Alaba own goal ignited a flurry of goals. The momentum of the match swung back and forth, with both Real Sociedad and Real Madrid at different times appearing to be heading to the final. However, an 115th-minute goal for the home side ultimately sealed their progression in a truly captivating encounter.
For Real Madrid, the goalscorers in the thrilling match were Endrick, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Antonio Rüdiger. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice for Real Sociedad, with Ander Barrenetxea also finding the net.
Despite the high-scoring draw, Real Madrid dominated possession and had the lion's share of attacks. They registered 26 shots on goal, 10 of which were on target. Real Sociedad were less prolific in front of goal, managing 11 shots with five on target, four of which resulted in goals.
The match started with an early opportunity for Endrick, who controlled a loose ball in the box and attempted an overhead kick that went just wide. Two minutes later, Real Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro made a good save from a Vinícius Júnior shot.
Real Sociedad then had their first significant attack in the 14th minute, with Luka Sučić hitting the side netting. Two minutes later, they stunned the Bernabéu by taking the lead on a swift counter-attack. Pablo Marín's headed pass found Barrenetxea, who outpaced the defense and slotted the ball past Andriy Lunin in a one-on-one situation.
Real Madrid responded in the 30th minute through Endrick. Vinícius Júnior's excellent through ball found the young Brazilian forward, who raced past the defenders and chipped the onrushing goalkeeper.
Despite limited opportunities in La Liga, Endrick has been a regular starter in the Copa del Rey and continues to repay his coach's faith. The 18-year-old has now scored in four consecutive matches in the competition, taking his total to five goals, joint-highest with Julián Álvarez.
Real Madrid started the second half strongly, with Jude Bellingham's long-range effort saved by the goalkeeper in the 61st minute. Five minutes later, Real coach Ancelotti replaced Endrick with Kylian Mbappé. However, instead of strengthening their attack, Real Madrid found themselves trailing within six minutes due to an own goal. Marín attempted to cut the ball back across the goal, but David Alaba's attempted interception diverted it past Lunin into his own net.
Alaba's misfortune continued in the 80th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal's shot deflected off his leg and into the net off the far post, putting Real Sociedad on the verge of the final. However, Real Madrid displayed incredible resilience to turn the game around once again in the final minutes. Bellingham and Tchouaméni scored within four minutes to level the score.
In the 82nd minute, Bellingham finished neatly from a Vinícius Júnior pass from the left. Three minutes later, Vinícius Júnior had a chance to put Real Madrid ahead but shot straight at the goalkeeper after rounding him, conceding a corner. From Rodrygo's resulting corner, Tchouaméni headed home to make it 3-3.
Despite the home side's celebrations, the drama was far from over. In the third minute of added time, Oyarzabal headed in from close range to send the match into extra time. The additional period saw Real Madrid push forward, with Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé both missing chances. However, in the 115th minute, two substitutes combined to secure the victory for Real Madrid. Arda Güler's corner was met by a header from Rüdiger, sending his team to the final.
In the final, Real Madrid will face the winner of the other semi-final tie between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. Their first leg ended in a 4-4 draw, with the second leg scheduled for Wednesday.
