Real Madrid Femenino has successfully secured its spot in the semifinals of the Copa de la Reina after defeating Real Sociedad 3-1 following extra time on February 13, 2025. The match, held at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium, showcased the resilience and talent of the Madrid team, who faced off against Real Sociedad for the third time within three weeks.
The game began with Real Madrid demonstrating cautious respect for their opponents. Real Sociedad, with their tactical prowess overseen by coach José Luis Sánchez Vera, sought to dominate possession early on. Misa, starting as goalkeeper for Madrid, faced some early pressure as the home side struggled to find their rhythm. It wasn't until the 22nd minute, when Caroline Weir scored a spectacular goal, giving Madrid the lead with a display of skillful control and precision shooting.
Weir’s opening goal provided some much-needed momentum for Real Madrid, but the team’s lead was short-lived. Just before halftime, Real Sociedad’s Amaiur equalized with a powerful long-range shot, which caught Misa off-guard, sending the teams level at 1-1. This goal, which raised murmurs of dissatisfaction among the Madrid faithful, left the home side feeling the heat going to the locker room.
The second half saw both teams pushing for control, with Real Madrid continuing to search for solutions against Sociedad’s strong defensive line. Multiple attempts from star player Linda Caicedo showcased her skills, but the finishing touch eluded her until later. Meanwhile, Sociedad's defensive strategies kept Madrid at bay until the very end of regular time, with mounting tension as neither side could find the net.
With the match heading to extra time, fatigue started to play its part, but it was Linda Caicedo's burst of speed and agility which shifted the momentum. Early in the first half of extra time, Caicedo broke free down the wing, setting up Sandie Toletti who found the back of the net, giving Madrid the lead once more at 2-1. The Madrid players, with newfound energy, began to dominate as the game progressed.
Just moments later, Caicedo struck again, displaying her talent within the box and extending the lead to 3-1. This final goal, which came from clever interplay with Eva Navarro, sealed the victory for Madrid and showcased the importance of this young Colombian talent.
Madrid's tactical decisions and substitutions made by coach Alberto Toril proved beneficial, allowing fresh legs like those of Toletti and Caicedo to make significant impacts on the game. The win ensures Real Madrid will advance to the semifinals where they will face one of three competitors: Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, or Granada, with the draw scheduled for February 18.
The players’ impressive performance will bolster their confidence as they prepare for their next match. On February 16, they will face Levante Badalona, serving as their final fixture before the international break. Fans are excited for what’s next as Real Madrid Femenino gears up for the challenges to come.