Real Madrid just edged past Real Sociedad with a narrow 1-0 victory, putting them on the path to the Copa del Rey finals. The match took place on February 26, 2023, as both teams battled intensely at the home ground of Real Sociedad.
Under the guidance of manager Carlo Ancelotti, the Royal Club aimed to solidify their chances of capturing the prestigious trophy. With notable absences, including star players Kylian Mbappé, Federico Valverde, and Thibaut Courtois, the team showed resilience and skill.
From the kick-off, Real Sociedad put pressure on the Madrid players, but it was Jude Bellingham who turned the game around. He connected with Endrick, delivering a brilliant assist, allowing the young Brazilian to score with confidence, marking his fourth goal of the tournament.
The first half wrapped up with Real Madrid leading 1-0, thanks to Endrick's strike. The score remained the same as both teams returned for the second half, where the spotlight shone brightly on both goalkeepers. Lunin, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, made several impressive saves, ensuring the scoreboard remained unchanged.
Meanwhile, Sociedad's Alex Remiro also showcased his skills, making key stops to keep his team within reach of equalizing. Despite their efforts, they couldn't penetrate the Real Madrid defense or find the back of the net.
The return leg is set to take place on April 1, with everything still to play for. The stake is high as both teams look to carve out their destiny within the tournament. The 1-0 victory, though slim, puts Real Madrid in the driver’s seat for the aggregate score.
Endrick's performance has emerged as one of the standout stories, particularly considering it is his debut season with Real Madrid. With his current tally of six goals, he has already surpassed Vinícius Júnior's first-year total.
This Copa del Rey campaign has seen Endrick score every 78.6 minutes, making him the top scorer of the tournament, igniting excitement for what he may achieve next.
Underlining their ambitions, Real Madrid look to reclaim glory in the Copa del Rey, and if they maintain this form, they might just find themselves lifting the trophy soon.