In a thrilling Copa del Rey semi-final clash, Real Madrid secured their spot in the final with a dramatic 5-4 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad, culminating in a nail-biting extra time finish at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 2, 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring a total of eight goals and a late header from Antonio Rudiger that sealed the deal for Madrid.
Jude Bellingham, a standout performer for Madrid, encapsulated the chaotic nature of the night with his post-match comment on Instagram: "No more words for these kinds of nights at the Bernabeu." His sentiment resonated with the fans who witnessed an exhilarating spectacle filled with highs and lows.
Real Madrid entered the match with significant defensive challenges, missing key players like Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao due to ACL injuries. David Alaba, who recently returned from his own ACL injury, had a night to forget as he scored an own goal and deflected another shot into his own net, contributing to Real Sociedad's surprising early dominance.
Sociedad struck first in the 16th minute when Ander Barrenetxea took advantage of a defensive lapse, slotting the ball through the legs of Madrid's goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The visitors' lead was a stark reminder of their ability to capitalize on Madrid's ongoing defensive woes, having one of the worst scoring records in La Liga with just 27 goals in 29 games.
Despite the setback, Madrid responded with resilience. Endrick, showcasing his burgeoning talent, equalized in the 30th minute with a delightful lob over the Sociedad defense. His goal injected fresh energy into the home side, who had been visibly rattled by the early goal.
However, the defensive frailties persisted. Just before halftime, Lunin made a crucial save, denying a goal from Martin Zubimendi, but the pressure continued to mount. A miscommunication led to a second goal for Sociedad, as Alaba inadvertently redirected a shot from Mikel Oyarzabal past his own keeper, putting the visitors ahead 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.
As the match progressed, the atmosphere in the Bernabeu grew tense. Madrid fans, accustomed to thrilling comebacks, were on the edge of their seats as the team struggled to find their rhythm. Notably, coach Carlo Ancelotti had to manage a heated exchange on the sidelines, reflecting the high stakes of the match.
In a dramatic turn of events, Tchouameni scored a header in the 86th minute, leveling the score at 3-3 and momentarily lifting the spirits of the home crowd. The celebrations were short-lived, however, as Sociedad equalized once again in the dying moments of regular time. A defensive blunder allowed Oyarzabal to head the ball into the net, bringing the aggregate score to 4-4 just before extra time.
With the match heading into extra time, the tension was palpable. Both teams were desperate to avoid penalties, and it was Rudiger who emerged as the hero. Meeting a perfectly placed corner from Arda Guler, he headed the ball into the net in the 115th minute, securing Madrid's place in the final.
Post-match, Ancelotti acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding the victory, stating, "It has been a match with goals, mistakes and also good things. The objective is achieved: we’re in the final again." Despite the win, he expressed concern over the team's defensive structure, which has been a recurring issue this season.
Real Sociedad, despite their loss, showcased remarkable resilience and efficiency, scoring four times at the Bernabeu from just four shots on target, a testament to their opportunistic play. Their performance raised questions about Madrid's defensive capabilities, especially with a crucial Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal looming.
As Madrid prepares for their upcoming clash with Arsenal, the coaching staff will need to address the evident defensive lapses that were exposed during the semi-final. Ancelotti's side must tighten their backline if they hope to compete against an Arsenal team that has scored 55 goals in 30 league matches this season.
Looking ahead, the return of Thibaut Courtois to training could bolster Madrid's defensive stability, but the team must also navigate the injury concerns of their opponents, with Arsenal's Gabriel and Jurrien Timber being assessed after sustaining injuries in their recent match against Fulham.
In summary, Real Madrid's path to the Copa del Rey final has been anything but smooth, marked by defensive errors and late-game heroics. As they celebrate this victory, the focus will shift quickly to improving their performance ahead of the high-stakes match against Arsenal, where any defensive mishaps could prove costly.
