In a thrilling encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid and Real Sociedad played to a dramatic 4-4 draw on April 1, 2025, in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience. Ultimately, Real Madrid advanced to the final on aggregate, winning 5-4 over the two-legged tie.
The first leg had seen Real Sociedad take a narrow 1-0 lead, but the return match was anything but straightforward. The game opened with a slow tempo, with both teams feeling each other out. It wasn’t until the 16th minute that the scoring began, as Ander's Barrenechea found the back of the net to give Real Sociedad an early advantage.
However, Real Madrid responded quickly. Just 14 minutes later, Endrick equalized with a deft lob over the Sociedad goalkeeper, showcasing his talent and composure under pressure. The match continued to ebb and flow, but it was Real Sociedad who regained the lead in the 72nd minute through an unfortunate own goal by David Alaba, putting the visitors up 2-1.
The excitement didn’t stop there. Mikel Oyarzabal extended Real Sociedad's lead to 3-1 in the 80th minute with a powerful strike, leaving Madrid fans anxious about their team's fate. But just when it seemed like Real Sociedad would secure their spot in the final, the home side rallied.
In a stunning six-minute stretch, Real Madrid turned the tide. Jude Bellingham scored in the 82nd minute, followed by Aurélien Tchouameni’s goal in the 86th minute, turning a 3-1 deficit into a 3-3 tie. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans celebrated the remarkable comeback.
Yet, the drama was far from over. In the third minute of stoppage time, Oyarzabal struck again, scoring his second goal of the match and sending the game into extra time with the score tied at 4-4 on aggregate.
As the teams entered extra time, both sides were visibly exhausted but determined. The match had already been a test of endurance, and it was clear that the next goal would be crucial. It came in the 115th minute when Antonio Rudiger, who had been solid in defense all match, became the hero for Real Madrid. He found space in the box and slotted home the decisive goal, making it 4-4 and sealing the match for Real Madrid on aggregate.
Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who played the entire match, had a challenging outing, conceding four goals but also making crucial saves that kept his team in the game. After the match, Lunin reflected on the experience, stating, "Every match has its ups and downs, but we showed great character today. We never gave up, and that’s what matters in knockout football."
Real Madrid’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team's resilience, saying, "To come back like that in such a crucial match shows the spirit of this team. We made mistakes, but we learned from them and kept fighting until the end."
With this victory, Real Madrid advances to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face the winner of the other semi-final between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. The final promises to be an exciting showdown as Madrid aims to secure another title.
This match will be remembered for its dramatic twists and turns, with eight goals and an intense atmosphere that kept fans on the edge of their seats. As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, one thing is clear: Real Madrid's journey in the Copa del Rey is far from over.
