In a thrilling encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid secured their place in the Copa del Rey final after a dramatic 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad, winning 5-4 on aggregate. The match, played on April 1, 2025, showcased a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying their attacking prowess.
Real Madrid entered the match with a slim advantage from the first leg, having won 1-0 at Anoeta. Coach Carlo Ancelotti made some surprising choices in his lineup, opting to leave out three key starters, including Kylian Mbappé, who was replaced by the young talent Endrick. The starting eleven featured Andriy Lunin in goal, with Lucas Vázquez, Raúl Asencio, David Alaba, and Eduardo Camavinga in defense. The midfield consisted of Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham, while the attacking trio included Rodrygo, Vinícius, and Endrick.
The match began with a bang as Ander Barrenetxea put Real Sociedad ahead just 16 minutes in, sending shockwaves through the home crowd. However, Real Madrid responded quickly, with Enrick scoring in the 30th minute to level the match. The tension escalated as Jude Bellingham netted another goal for Madrid in the 37th minute, giving them a temporary lead.
Despite Madrid's resurgence, Sociedad wasn't ready to back down. David Alaba's own goal in the 27th minute of the second half brought the score to 3-3, and Mikel Oyarzabal added two more goals for Sociedad, one in the 35th minute and another just three minutes later, making it 4-3. The visitors had stunned the home side and were on the verge of a historic upset.
However, Real Madrid's determination shone through. Aurélien Tchouaméni scored in the 41st minute of the second half, tying the game at 4-4. With the aggregate score leveled, the match headed into extra time. The tension was palpable as both teams fought for the decisive goal.
In the 25th minute of extra time, Antonio Rüdiger scored for Madrid, sealing the tie at 5-4 on aggregate. The crowd erupted in jubilation as Real Madrid secured their spot in the final.
After the match, Ancelotti expressed his pride in the team's performance, highlighting their resilience and ability to fight back from challenging situations. He stated, "We are motivated to play another final. In recent years, the Copa has treated us well, and we want to repeat our success." Ancelotti's strategic changes, particularly the inclusion of Endrick, proved crucial in the high-stakes match.
Meanwhile, Imanol Alguacil, the coach of Real Sociedad, praised his players for their valiant effort despite the heartbreak of elimination. He noted, "Yesterday, nobody gave us a chance, and it’s a shame. The team lacks neither skill nor personality. We leave with pride from both matches, exceeding many expectations." Alguacil also commented on a controversial moment in the match regarding a potential offside on Mbappé, suggesting that Real Madrid received assistance in a neutral aspect of the game.
Former Real Madrid player Pedja Mijatovic weighed in on the match, calling it “total football.” He remarked, "Who can analyze a game where the opposing team scores four goals and still gets eliminated? It was a beautiful display of football that kept everyone on the edge of their seats." Mijatovic's comments reflect the chaotic yet exhilarating nature of the match.
As the dust settles, Real Madrid is now focused on their upcoming final, aiming to add another trophy to their impressive collection. The team has been in formidable form this season, defending their La Liga and Champions League titles while also looking to reclaim the Copa del Rey.
With this thrilling semifinal behind them, all eyes will be on Real Madrid as they prepare for the final showdown. Fans will be eager to see if the team can continue their winning ways and bring home another prestigious title.
The Copa del Rey has proven to be a battleground of intense competition, and Real Madrid's journey is far from over. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, the team looks poised to make their mark in the upcoming final.
