Real Madrid 4 – Real Sociedad 4 (3-4 in regular time and then 1-0 in extra time), with goals from Endrick, Jude Bellingham, Tchouameni, and Rüdiger.
Yesterday, we witnessed another crazy match at the Bernabéu, full of ups and downs, and a nerve-wracking ending. But in the end, we achieved the most important goal: reaching the Copa del Rey final, which will be played on Saturday, April 26, at Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville.
A Tactical Shuffle and a Calm Start
Real Madrid made some changes to the lineup, as we had anticipated. Endrick, Camavinga, and Alaba started the game. It began calmly, with Madrid holding a first-leg advantage (0-1) and not appearing to be in danger.
But in the 16th minute, Real Sociedad took the lead (0-1), complicating things as they leveled the aggregate score. Then, in the 30th minute, after a great pass from Vinicius, Endrick scored a fantastic goal—his fifth in this Copa del Rey campaign.
Two Heavy Blows from Real Sociedad
With the score at 1-1, it seemed like Madrid had the game under control. But the Copa del Rey is a tournament of madness, full of unpredictable moments and plenty of goals—and this match proved it.
Even though Madrid wasn’t struggling too much up to the 70th minute, things suddenly turned upside down. In the 80th minute, Real Sociedad scored twice, making it 1-3, a result that would have knocked Madrid out of the tournament.
A Dramatic Comeback… With a Twist
Madrid switched into high gear and, in the 81st minute, after a brilliant move by Vinicius, Jude Bellingham scored to make it 2-3. Then, in the 86th minute, Tchouameni headed in the 3-3, bringing a sense of relief. Some fans even started leaving the Bernabéu, thinking the game was settled…
But this is the Copa del Rey, and anything can happen. In the 93rd minute, Oyarzabal scored to make it 3-4, sending the game into extra time.
Extra Time and an Unexpected Hero
Madrid, already feeling the weight of a grueling season, was running on fumes. Extra time was tough, and by halftime, Ancelotti had no choice but to bring on Fran García and Rüdiger. He had planned to rest Rüdiger, but circumstances forced him onto the field… and he became the hero.
In the 115th minute, Rüdiger scored a decisive header, making it 4-4, avoiding a penalty shootout—which is always a gamble.
A Tough Match, but Mission Accomplished
It wasn’t Madrid’s best performance, but once again, the players gave everything and secured the win. Now, we wait to see who we’ll face in the final—Barcelona or Atlético Madrid, who, interestingly enough, also ended their first leg with a 4-4 draw.
🎥 Watch the match highlights and goals!