Real Madrid reaches the Copa final after a crazy match.
Real Madrid and Real Sociedad drew 4-4 at the Bernabéu after extra time, securing progression thanks to a 0-1 advantage from the first leg.
Real Madrid faced a tough match against Real Sociedad, where the tie was decided in extra time. The final minutes of regulation time were intense, with moments where it seemed like one team would be eliminated, only to be back in the game moments later. It was extra time that ultimately sent Madrid through.
Ancelotti made several rotations for the game against Real Sociedad. While Camavinga’s role at left-back and Alaba in central defense were expected, the benching of Mbappé to give Endrick a start was a surprise.
The Game Begins: Sociedad Takes the Lead
Real Sociedad began the match with high pressure, aiming to disrupt Ancelotti’s game plan. Their offensive play allowed Madrid to exploit spaces behind their defense. Endrick almost scored a stunning bicycle kick after winning a divided ball in the box.
However, it was Real Sociedad that struck first. Asencio came out of position to cover an attack, and Lucas Vázquez couldn’t close down quickly enough to stop Barrenetxea from getting a shot off, which found its way through Lunin’s legs.
Despite going behind, Real Madrid didn’t lose confidence. Though the start wasn’t ideal, there was no panic in the Bernabéu.
Endrick’s Brilliant Equalizer
Madrid’s first clear chance was not missed. A brilliant pass from Vinicius to Endrick led to a calm finish from the Brazilian, reminiscent of Ronaldo Nazário’s style, lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 1-1 at the Bernabéu.
Penalty Not Given for Bellingham
In the second half, Madrid suffered a controversial decision. Referee Alberola Rojas ignored a clear penalty on Bellingham after Remiro punched him in the face. The referee and VAR both missed the call.
The match slowed down in the second half, but Lunin made an incredible save to deny Zubimendi and keep Madrid in the game.
Real Sociedad Scores Twice
Real Madrid was on the brink of elimination when an unfortunate touch from Alaba led to Real Sociedad’s second goal, followed by another deflection that allowed Oyarzábal to score their third. Madrid was now down 3-1 and needed a miracle.
Bellingham and Tchouaméni Respond
In the 82nd minute, Vinicius made a brilliant run down the left wing, delivering a perfect cross for Bellingham to score. Just minutes later, Tchouaméni took advantage of a strange error by Remiro off a corner to make it 3-3, bringing Madrid back into the tie.
Oyarzábal’s Header Sends the Game to Extra Time
As the match neared its end, a defensive lapse allowed Oyarzábal to score a header, putting Real Sociedad ahead 4-3. However, the match was far from over, and extra time awaited.
Extra Time: Rüdiger’s Heroic Header
In the first half of extra time, nothing significant happened until the second half, when a reckless foul on Vinicius was punished only with a yellow card. Madrid seemed to have extra energy in the final 15 minutes. Rüdiger’s decisive header from a corner, however, gave Madrid the 4-4 draw and sent them to the Copa del Rey final.
Final Score:
Real Madrid 4: Lunin; Lucas Vázquez (Modric 78′), Asencio (Güler 105′), Alaba (Rudiger 90′), Camavinga (Fran García 20′); Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo (Brahim 105′), Vinicius, Endrick (Mbappé 65′)
Real Sociedad 4: Remiro; Aramburu (Traoré 79′), Zubeldia, Aguerd (Elustondo 26′), Aihen; Pablo Marín, Zubimendi, Sucic; Kubo (Ma), Oyarzábal, Barrenetxea (Sergio Gómez 67′)
Goals: 0-1 Barrenetxea (15′), 1-1 Endrick (30′), 1-2 Alaba (own goal, 72′), 1-3 Alaba (own goal, 81′), 2-3 Bellingham (82′), 3-3 Tchouaméni (85′), 3-4 Oyarzábal (92′), 4-4 Rüdiger (115′)
Referee: Alberola Rojas. Yellow cards to Aramburu and Camavinga.
Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu.
