Real Madrid edged past Real Sociedad with a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on February 26, 2025. The win came courtesy of Brazilian sensation Endrick, who capitalized on Jude Bellingham's deft assist to score the only goal of the match.
The match, held at the Reale Arena, saw both teams putting forth strong performances, but it was Los Blancos who managed to secure the advantage as they look toward the second leg, set for April 1 at the Santiago Bernabéu. This victory continues Madrid's streak of success against Sociedad, having won their last three encounters.
Right from the first whistle, the intensity was palpable as Real Sociedad aimed to leverage their home ground advantage. They pressed forward but struggled to create clear-cut chances against Madrid's resolute defense. On the other hand, Madrid displayed their scoring prowess, with Endrick's goal reflecting their quality and composure under pressure.
Key moments included Bellingham's brilliant ball over the top, which allowed Endrick to slot home past goalkeeper Álex Remiro, giving Madrid the lead just before half-time. This strike was not only pivotal but also marked Endrick's fourth goal of the tournament, cementing his status as one of the standout players of the competition.
The match was briefly halted due to another serious incident involving racist chants directed at Vinícius Júnior from home fans, emphasizing the persistent issues of racism within the sport. Vinícius, who was captaining Madrid for the first time, approached the referee to address the matter, leading to the display of anti-racism messages on the big screen.
Dani Ceballos' night ended prematurely as he succumbed to injury during added time, adding to Madrid's woes with his exit leaving the team reduced to ten men for the latter part of the match.
Throughout the game, Real Madrid showcased their depth, making impactful substitutions, such as bringing on Brahim Díaz and Rodrygo, who contributed to the flow of the game. Despite missing star striker Kylian Mbappé due to dental surgery, Madrid's squad depth proved sufficient to overcome their opponents.
After the strike, Real Sociedad responded with vigor, attempting to equalize with several attempts, but Madrid's defense held strong with key saves from goalkeeper Andrii Lunin and blocks from defenders.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the absurd nature of the football calendar, expressing pride in his team's resilience amid fixture congestion, stating, "All teams are fighting and battling, and we are doing well." His sentiments capture the broader reality facing clubs as they juggle multiple competitions.
Looking forward, Real Madrid will aim to build upon this slender lead when they welcome Real Sociedad back for the deciding second leg at home. A place in the Copa del Rey final awaits the winner of this riveting semi-final tie, and with their recent form, Madrid will be favorites to progress.
This match highlighted the emotional and competitive nature of knockout football, with Real Madrid once again proving their ability to perform under pressure. The final whistle confirmed their 1-0 victory, leaving the tie finely poised as both teams gear up for the return leg, where the final outcome will be determined.