In an electrifying encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid triumphed over Real Sociedad in a dramatic Copa del Rey semi-final, securing their place in the final after a thrilling 4-4 draw that concluded with a 5-4 aggregate score. The match, held on April 1, 2025, saw both teams exchanging blows in a high-stakes battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The game kicked off with Real Sociedad taking an early lead in the 15th minute when Barrenetxea found the back of the net. The young forward, who returned to the starting lineup, received a well-placed ball on the left flank, maneuvered into the box, and slotted the ball through goalkeeper Lunin's legs, sending the away fans into a frenzy.
Despite the early setback, Real Madrid responded in the 30th minute. Endrick, the Brazilian sensation, showcased his talent by lifting the ball over goalkeeper Remiro after a clever assist from Vinicius, leveling the score at 1-1 and breathing life back into the home side.
The second half was a rollercoaster, with both teams displaying attacking prowess. However, it was Real Sociedad who struck next. In the 72nd minute, an unfortunate own goal from Alaba put the visitors ahead again, making it 2-1. Just moments later, Oyarzabal extended their lead to 3-1, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Madrid.
With time running out and their backs against the wall, Madrid mounted a fierce comeback. Bellingham ignited the revival in the 82nd minute, converting a cross from Vinicius to pull one back. Then, in a stunning turnaround, Tchouameni scored in the 86th minute, heading in from a corner to equalize at 3-3, sending the Bernabéu into raptures.
But the drama didn’t end there. In the dying moments of regular time, Oyarzabal struck again, heading home in the 92nd minute, which forced the match into extra time with the score at 4-3 in favor of Real Sociedad.
The first half of extra time saw both teams struggling for rhythm, with fatigue setting in. However, it was Rüdiger who emerged as the hero for Real Madrid. In the 115th minute, he scored a crucial header from a corner taken by the newly introduced Arda Güler, leveling the score at 4-4 and sending the match to penalties if no further goals were scored.
As the final whistle approached, Madrid had a chance to clinch the victory, with Mbappé almost scoring a fifth in the 119th minute, but his effort was expertly saved by Remiro, who continued to be a standout performer for Sociedad throughout the match.
After the match, Rüdiger spoke to Real Madrid TV, saying, "La Real ha jugado un buen partido, siempre es difícil contra ellos. Estamos en el Real Madrid y hay que ir hasta el final. Esta temporada está siendo muy difícil, pero estamos en otra final y vamos a ganarla." His words reflected the determination of the squad as they look forward to the final in La Cartuja, Seville, on April 26, 2025.
Real Madrid's journey to the final was not without its challenges, having to navigate through defensive frailties that almost cost them the match. However, their resilience and attacking depth proved crucial in overcoming a spirited Real Sociedad side that had pushed them to the limits.
The Copa del Rey final now awaits, where Madrid will face the winner of the semi-final clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, set to take place on April 2, 2025. With the stakes higher than ever, the excitement continues to build as fans eagerly anticipate what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this storied competition.
