In a thrilling Copa del Rey semifinal second leg, Real Madrid showcased their resilience and determination, overcoming Real Sociedad 4-4 at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 1, 2025, to advance 5-4 on aggregate after extra time. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging leads, but it was Antonio Rudiger's decisive header in the 115th minute that sealed the victory for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid entered the match with a slight advantage, having won the first leg 1-0 in February, courtesy of a goal from young star Endrick. However, the visitors came out strong, leveling the aggregate score early in the second leg. Just 16 minutes into the match, Ander Barrenetxea caught the Madrid defense off guard, finishing a swift counter-attack to make it 1-0 on the night and 1-1 on aggregate.
Despite the early setback, Real Madrid responded with poise. Endrick, who had already made a name for himself in the competition with four goals in five appearances, struck back in the 30th minute. Following a brilliant assist from Vinicius Junior, Endrick deftly chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to put Madrid back in front on aggregate.
The match took another turn in the second half. David Alaba, who had been solid defensively, found himself in an unfortunate position, scoring two own goals within eight minutes. The first came in the 72nd minute when a deflected effort from Takefusa Kubo ricocheted off Alaba and into the net. Just minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal’s powerful shot also took a deflection off Alaba, putting Real Sociedad ahead 3-2 on aggregate.
However, the drama didn’t end there. Jude Bellingham, who has been a standout performer for Madrid this season, equalized in the 82nd minute with a stunning volley, capitalizing on Vinicius's run down the wing. Just four minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni scored a towering header from a corner, giving Madrid a 4-3 lead on aggregate.
But Real Sociedad refused to back down. In stoppage time, Mikel Oyarzabal scored with a header from a free-kick, leveling the aggregate score at 4-4 and sending the match into extra time. The tension in the Bernabeu was palpable as both teams fought for a spot in the final.
In the first half of extra time, Real Madrid regained their composure and pressed for the winning goal. It was Rudiger who emerged as the hero, scoring a powerful header from a set-piece in the 115th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. With the aggregate score now 5-4, Madrid held on for the final moments, securing their place in the Copa del Rey final against either Atletico Madrid or Barcelona.
After the match, Carlo Ancelotti praised his team's fighting spirit, stating, "To be close to a final motivates me, it motivates the players and it motivates the club. It’s an achievement to play in a final in any competition, so to have a small advantage and the support of our fans obviously motivates us even more." His words echoed the sentiment of the fans, who witnessed an unforgettable encounter filled with drama and excitement.
Real Madrid's starting lineup featured Lunin in goal, with a back four of Vazquez, Asensio, Alaba, and Camavinga. The midfield was anchored by Valverde and Tchouameni, while the attacking trio consisted of Rodrygo, Bellingham, and Vinicius, supporting Endrick up front. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, relied on Remiro, Munoz, Zubeldia, Aguerd, and Aramburu in defense, with a midfield featuring Zubimendi, Kubo, Sucic, Marin, and Barrenetxea, and Oyarzabal leading the attack.
This match will be remembered not just for the goals but for the sheer will displayed by both teams. Real Sociedad, despite their loss, proved they can compete with the giants of Spanish football, while Real Madrid showed why they are perennial contenders for silverware. As they prepare for the final, the focus will now shift to their potential opponents and how they can secure yet another Copa del Rey title.
With this victory, Real Madrid continues their quest for domestic glory, eyeing a historic third Copa del Rey title for Ancelotti, who would become the first coach to achieve this feat with the club. The final promises to be an exhilarating clash, and fans will be eager to see if Madrid can capitalize on their momentum and lift the trophy once again.
