Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Real Madrid triumphed over Real Sociedad in a dramatic Copa del Rey semi-final, with Antonio Rudiger emerging as the match-winner in extra time. The exhilarating 5-4 aggregate victory at the Santiago Bernabeu ensured Los Blancos’ progression to the final, keeping their treble hopes alive. Despite a rollercoaster of a match that saw them relinquish their lead multiple times, Madrid eventually prevailed against a determined La Real side that refused to give up.
Match Goals Summary
- 18′ – Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad): Slotted the ball between Lunin’s legs to level the tie on aggregate.
- 30′ – Endrick (Real Madrid): Chipped the goalkeeper after an assist from Vinicius Jr.
- 72′ – David Alaba (Own Goal, Real Sociedad): Deflected Pablo Marin’s cross into his own net.
- 80′ – Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad): Shot deflected off Alaba into the bottom corner.
- 82′ – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): Stunning side-footed volley to equalize the aggregate score.
- 86′ – Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid): Header past Alex Remiro, seemingly sealing the win.
- 90+2′ – Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad): Close-range header to force extra time.
- 115′ – Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid): Towering header to secure victory.
A Chaotic Start and a Fight for Control
Holding a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg in San Sebastian, Real Madrid entered the second leg with confidence but started sluggishly. They were soon punished when Ander Barrenetxea equalized on aggregate in the 18th minute. Exploiting Madrid’s defensive lapse, he sprinted down the left, bypassed the defenders, and slotted his shot between the legs of reserve goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, restoring parity in the tie.
Madrid responded in style with a moment of brilliance. Vinicius Jr combined with Endrick, who exhibited exquisite composure to chip the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper and level the scoreline on the night. However, Real Sociedad refused to back down and continued pressing forward.
Real Sociedad’s Resilience and Defensive Lapses
Real Sociedad nearly regained the lead when Martin Zubimendi struck a powerful volley on target. Lunin, eager to make amends for his earlier mistake, pulled off a spectacular full-stretch save. However, the home side’s defensive frailties resurfaced moments later. David Alaba, in an unfortunate sequence of events, inadvertently glanced Pablo Marin’s cross into his own net, handing Sociedad a crucial goal.
As if one mishap wasn’t enough, Alaba was again at the center of another setback. Mikel Oyarzabal unleashed a shot that took a wicked deflection off Alaba, nestling into the bottom corner and putting Sociedad ahead on aggregate. At this point, Real Madrid faced a significant challenge to regain control.
Madrid’s Response and Bellingham’s Brilliance
Trailing 3-2 on aggregate, Real Madrid needed a spark, and Jude Bellingham provided just that. The English midfielder displayed remarkable skill and composure, executing an audacious side-footed volley to bring the tie back to 3-3. His goal epitomized Madrid’s resilience and reignited their push for victory.
With time running out, Aurelien Tchouameni appeared to have sealed the win for Madrid. The French midfielder soared high and guided a precise header past Sociedad’s goalkeeper, Alex Remiro, in the 86th minute. The Santiago Bernabeu erupted in celebration, believing the game was won. However, Sociedad had other plans.
Oyarzabal struck again in injury time with a close-range header, sending the game into extra time at 4-4 on aggregate. The thrilling semi-final continued to deliver drama, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Antonio Rudiger’s Heroic Moment
With both sides exhausted in extra time and struggling to create clear chances, the decisive moment finally arrived. Antonio Rudiger, known for his aerial prowess, delivered the knockout blow. Rising above three defenders, he met a curling corner from Arda Guler and powered his header into the far corner, sending Madrid into the final with a 5-4 aggregate win. His emphatic goal sealed an unforgettable contest and cemented his place as the hero of the night.
A Thrilling Road to the Copa del Rey Final
Real Madrid’s victory over Real Sociedad showcased their attacking brilliance, resilience, and never-say-die attitude. Despite defensive errors and moments of vulnerability, they found a way to win, exemplifying their championship mentality. With this dramatic win, Madrid advances to the Copa del Rey final, keeping their dreams of a treble alive. Fans now eagerly await the grand finale, where Madrid will aim to lift yet another piece of silverware in their illustrious history.
