The iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is ready for an electrifying night as Real Madrid prepares to face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinal on April 2, 2025. The stadium's roof is closed, a stark contrast to yesterday when it was open to let in the natural light that graced Madrid after weeks of heavy rain. Fans are buzzing with excitement, having prepared a spectacular tifo to rally the players ahead of this crucial match, which could lead to Real Madrid's third title of the season.
After securing a narrow 1-0 victory at Anoeta, Carlo Ancelotti's squad is on the brink of qualifying for the Copa del Rey final. They await the winner of the matchup between Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona, who played to a draw in their first leg. Tensions are high as the Real Sociedad team, despite their struggles this season, remains determined to upset the odds against the formidable Madrid side.
Carlo Ancelotti has called for seriousness and focus from his players, emphasizing the importance of this match as they look to advance and shift their focus to upcoming league and Champions League fixtures. The quarterfinals of the Champions League are just around the corner, set to kick off next week. Changes are expected in the starting lineup, with Brazilian forward Endrick likely to make his third consecutive start in the Copa del Rey, having impressed in the previous match.
“It’s match day!” declared Real Madrid on social media, reminding fans of the excitement that awaits. The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:30 CEST at the Santiago Bernabéu, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric.
However, not all is well in the Madrid camp. Fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the team's performance this season, leading to whistles during halftime of their last league match against Leganés, where the team was losing and seemingly out of the title race. If the players display a lack of effort or repeat their poor form, protests from the stands are likely. Despite the criticism, the players are eager to prove themselves and show that they can compete for every trophy this season.
On the other side of the pitch, Real Sociedad's coach, Imanol Alguacil, has voiced his frustrations regarding officiating in the semifinal match. He criticized the performance of referee Javier Alberola Rojas, particularly regarding a controversial offside call involving Kylian Mbappé that preceded one of Real Madrid's goals. Alguacil stated, "Real Madrid does not need these kinds of 'help' to win," reflecting his belief that the match was marred by biased officiating.
Alguacil expressed disappointment over his team's elimination from the Copa del Rey, comparing it to their earlier exit in the Europa League, suggesting that they faced similar challenges. He defended a tackle by Jon Ander Olasagasti on Vinícius Junior, arguing it warranted a yellow card rather than a red. Despite the loss, Alguacil took pride in his team's performance, stating, "We have done many things right to be in that coveted final we desired. Sometimes you can leave with pride, and this is one of those cases." He expressed his desire to renew his contract, which expires on June 30, 2025, indicating his commitment to the club.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Real Madrid emerged victorious in extra time, but not without drama. They conceded four goals at home, a concerning trend noted by sports analyst Manolo Lama during the program 'El Partidazo.' He remarked, "I never expected so much suffering for Madrid to reach the final. I thought it would be an easy match." He highlighted the team's inconsistency, pointing out that they can switch from dominating to struggling within moments, making their journey to the final all the more complicated.
Despite the defensive frailties, Real Madrid's attacking prowess remains a potent weapon. The team's ability to score and apply pressure in the dying moments of matches continues to bolster their legendary status. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering if this team can maintain that momentum as they push for silverware.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, both teams are ready to battle it out for a place in the final. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Will Real Madrid's experience and talent shine through, or can Real Sociedad pull off a major upset? The answer awaits as the two teams take to the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu.
