In a thrilling Copa del Rey semi-final match held on April 1, 2025, at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid faced off against Real Sociedad in a contest that delivered drama and excitement until the final whistle. The match concluded with a spectacular 4-4 draw, a result that sees Real Madrid advancing to the final on aggregate, having won the first leg 1-0.
The game started with Real Sociedad taking the lead in the 15th minute when Ander Barrenetxea found the back of the net, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope as they aimed to overturn the deficit. However, Real Madrid responded quickly, with Brazilian sensation Endrick scoring in the 29th minute after a brilliant assist from Vinícius Júnior. Endrick’s deft chip over the goalkeeper leveled the score at 1-1, reigniting the home crowd's hopes.
As the first half unfolded, both teams exchanged chances, but neither could find the net again before the break. The score remained tied at 1-1 going into halftime, with Real Madrid holding a 2-1 advantage on aggregate.
In the second half, the momentum shifted dramatically. Real Sociedad struck again, this time with a stroke of fortune as David Alaba inadvertently scored an own goal in the 71st minute, putting the visitors ahead 2-1 and flipping the aggregate score to 2-2. The tension in the stadium was palpable as fans from both sides held their breath.
Just minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice in quick succession, first in the 79th minute to extend Real Sociedad's lead to 3-1, and then again in the 92nd minute, making it 4-3 in favor of the Basques. It seemed as if the visitors were on the verge of an incredible comeback.
Yet, Real Madrid refused to back down. Jude Bellingham, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, scored a crucial goal in the 81st minute to bring the score to 3-2. The English midfielder capitalized on a swift counter-attack, slotting the ball home with precision.
With the clock ticking down and the aggregate score tied at 3-3, Aurélien Tchouaméni rose to the occasion, scoring a powerful header from a corner kick in the 85th minute. This goal not only leveled the match at 3-3 but also gave Madrid a 3-2 advantage on aggregate.
As the match entered its final moments, the drama intensified. Antonio Rüdiger, who had been solid in defense, added his name to the scoresheet in the 114th minute, heading home from a corner to make it 4-4. This goal secured Real Madrid's place in the final, as they advanced with a 5-4 aggregate score.
After the match, Tchouaméni expressed his excitement, stating, "This is another opportunity to win a title," reflecting the team's determination as they look ahead to the final. Coach Carlo Ancelotti commented on the match, highlighting the physicality of the game and the need for discipline, mentioning, "The tackle on Vinicius was a red card offense," indicating his frustration with the officiating.
Endrick, who had a standout performance, remarked, "I need to take advantage of opportunities," emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on chances in high-stakes matches. Meanwhile, Rüdiger shared his confidence in the team, stating, "We are very motivated and will win the final," a sentiment echoed by the entire squad.
The match statistics showcased the intensity of the encounter, with Real Madrid registering 10 shots on target compared to Real Sociedad's 5. Despite the draw, Madrid's offensive display and resilience under pressure were commendable. The match also saw several yellow cards, including for Eduardo Camavinga and Jon Olasagasti, highlighting the competitive nature of the fixture.
As the dust settles on this electrifying semi-final, Real Madrid will turn their attention to the Copa del Rey final, set to take place on April 26, 2025, in La Cartuja. Fans will be eager to see if the team can secure yet another trophy in their illustrious history, while Real Sociedad will undoubtedly take pride in their spirited performance, even in defeat.
With the excitement of the Copa del Rey final on the horizon, both teams will continue to push forward, aiming for glory in the domestic league and beyond. The rivalry between these two clubs remains fierce, and this match will be remembered as a classic.
