Real Madrid has secured a thrilling spot in the final of the Spanish King’s Cup following an exhilarating 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 1, 2025. This match marked the second leg of the semi-final, and thanks to their previous 1-0 victory in the first leg, Madrid advanced with a 5-4 aggregate score.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Real Madrid trailing 1-3 until the 80th minute. Ander Barrenetxea opened the scoring for Sociedad in the 16th minute, and the first half ended in a 1-1 tie after Brazilian youngster Vinicius equalized for Madrid in the 33rd minute.
As the second half progressed, the tension escalated. A critical moment came when Real Madrid defender David Alaba inadvertently scored an own goal in the 72nd minute, putting Sociedad ahead 2-1. Just eight minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal added a third goal for the visitors, making it 3-1 and seemingly putting Madrid's hopes in jeopardy.
However, the Royal Club refused to back down. Jude Bellingham ignited hope for the home side by netting the second goal in the 82nd minute, and just four minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni scored again, leveling the match at 3-3. But the drama didn’t end there. In the dying moments of regular time, Oyarzabal struck again, scoring in the third minute of stoppage time to put Sociedad back in the lead at 4-3.
With the clock running out, Madrid found themselves on the brink of elimination. Yet, Rodrigo’s header in the 115th minute during extra time secured the equalizer at 4-4, allowing Madrid to advance to the final.
Real Madrid will now face the winner of the other semi-final match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, which is set to take place on April 2, 2025. The first leg of that semi-final also ended in a 4-4 draw, ensuring that the final will be a highly anticipated clash.
Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about Madrid's resilience and ability to come back from a seemingly impossible situation. Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team's fighting spirit, stating, "We showed great character today. Despite being behind, we never gave up, and that’s the spirit of Real Madrid." This attitude will be crucial as they prepare for the final, which promises to be an electrifying encounter.
The match at the Bernabeu was a testament to the unpredictable nature of football, showcasing both teams' attacking prowess and defensive frailties. Real Madrid's journey through the tournament has been marked by intense matches, and this semi-final was no exception.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, the focus now shifts to the final. With Madrid’s history in the King’s Cup and their current form, they are undoubtedly a team to watch. Fans are already speculating about potential matchups and strategies as they prepare for what could be a historic showdown.
In conclusion, Real Madrid's qualification for the final of the King’s Cup is a testament to their determination and skill. The upcoming final promises to be a captivating clash, and fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if Madrid can add another trophy to their illustrious cabinet.
