Real Madrid edged into the Copa del Rey final with a thrilling 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad after extra time on Tuesday, securing a 5-4 aggregate victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams fought fiercely, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.
The game kicked off with an unexpected twist as Real Sociedad took the lead in the 16th minute through Ander Barrenetxea, who capitalized on a defensive lapse from Madrid. The Basque side's early goal leveled the aggregate score, putting pressure on the home team to respond quickly.
Real Madrid, known for their resilience, didn’t take long to find their footing. Just 14 minutes later, Endrick, the teenage sensation, scored a stunning equalizer with a delicate chip over Sociedad's goalkeeper Alex Remiro, putting the hosts back in front on aggregate.
However, the drama didn’t stop there. David Alaba, unfortunately, turned the tide back in favor of Real Sociedad by scoring an own goal in the 72nd minute, inadvertently redirecting a cross into his own net. The visitors took a 2-1 lead on the night, leading 3-2 on aggregate.
Eight minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal doubled Real Sociedad’s advantage, making it 3-1 with a low drive that left the Madrid defense scrambling. The visitors seemed poised to pull off an upset, but Real Madrid had other plans.
In a spectacular display of determination, Jude Bellingham restored parity for Madrid in the 82nd minute with a well-placed volley, assisted by Vinícius Júnior. The home crowd erupted, and the momentum shifted back to Los Blancos.
Just when it looked like Madrid would take control, Aurelien Tchouameni headed home from a corner in the 86th minute, but the visitors answered back once more. Oyarzabal scored his second of the night in stoppage time, forcing the match into extra time with the score at 4-4 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate.
As the extra time unfolded, both teams pushed for the decisive goal, but it was Real Madrid who found the breakthrough in the 115th minute. Antonio Rüdiger, who had been brought on as a substitute, scored a crucial header from a corner taken by Arda Güler, sending the home fans into a frenzy and securing Madrid's place in the final.
Post-match, Rüdiger expressed his joy, stating, "I'm very happy because it was a really hard game with many comebacks and in the end my goal. For me, the goal was easy; I made a good movement, the corner was very good and because of that we're in the final. It's a hard season but we're in another final and we will win it."
The match statistics reflected the intensity of the encounter. Real Madrid had a total of 20 shots, with 12 on target, while Real Sociedad managed 15 shots, with 9 on target. Both teams demonstrated their attacking capabilities, but it was Madrid's persistence that ultimately paid off.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti made key substitutions, bringing on Kylian Mbappé and Luka Modric in the second half to bolster the attack. Despite some defensive frailties, particularly from Alaba, who had a night to forget with two own goals, the overall performance from Madrid showcased their fighting spirit.
With this victory, Real Madrid not only secured their spot in the Copa del Rey final but also kept their hopes alive for a potential treble this season. They will face either Barcelona or Atlético Madrid in the final, with both teams having played to a thrilling 4-4 draw in their semi-final first leg.
As the football world eagerly anticipates the final on April 26, the excitement surrounding Real Madrid’s journey continues to build. Fans will be hoping for a repeat of the team's resilience and flair as they aim to lift the Copa del Rey trophy once again.
In conclusion, this match was not just a testament to Real Madrid's talent but also a demonstration of their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. With the final looming, the question remains: can they secure another title to add to their illustrious history?
