Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti remains cautious despite his team's thrilling victory over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-finals on April 1, 2025. The match, which took place at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw after extra time, but Madrid advanced to the final with a 5-4 aggregate score over two legs.
In a game filled with excitement and errors, Ancelotti reflected on the performance, stating, "This is an entertaining and error-filled game. We are in the final and we achieved our goal in the end. When we need to reverse the situation, we never give up, especially at home, in front of the fans." The stakes were high as Real Madrid faced a resilient Real Sociedad side that had taken the lead multiple times during the match.
Real Madrid's journey to the final was not without its challenges. Throughout the match, they found themselves trailing for significant portions, with Real Sociedad capitalizing on defensive lapses. Mikel Oyarzabal, the Spanish international, scored twice in the 80th and 93rd minutes, pushing the game into extra time. Despite their defensive struggles, Madrid managed to score four goals, but Ancelotti acknowledged, "However, losing 4 goals is not good; we scored 4 goals but failed to achieve a balance." This defensive inconsistency is a growing concern for the team.
Rudiger, who scored a crucial goal for Madrid, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, saying, "I am very happy because this is indeed a tough battle. This goal is not easy to come by; I made a run, the corner kick organization was very good, this is the reason why we entered the final. The season is difficult, but we are in the final again and we must win." His sentiments echo the determination within the squad as they prepare for the final.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will face either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final scheduled for April 26, 2025. The upcoming match promises to be another intense encounter, especially given the fierce rivalry between these clubs. The final will be a test of both teams' mettle, as they vie for one of Spain's most prestigious trophies.
However, the road to the final has not been smooth for Ancelotti's side. In their last two matches, they have conceded a staggering six goals, raising alarms about their defensive capabilities. The coach will need to address these issues promptly, especially with a crucial Champions League match against Arsenal looming next week. As the pressure mounts, Ancelotti's tactical decisions will be scrutinized closely.
In the semi-final clash, Real Madrid showcased their attacking prowess, with contributions from several key players. Endrick, who scored in the first leg, was instrumental again, finding the back of the net in the return fixture. Alongside him, Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni also made significant impacts, demonstrating the depth of talent within the squad.
Despite the thrilling nature of the match, the defensive frailties displayed by Madrid cannot be overlooked. The team will need to tighten up their backline to avoid similar situations in the final and the upcoming Champions League fixture. Fans are hopeful that Ancelotti can find a solution to these issues, as the stakes are high in both domestic and European competitions.
As the countdown to the final begins, anticipation is building among fans and players alike. The atmosphere at the Bernabéu during the semi-final was electric, and supporters will be hoping for a repeat performance in the final. With a trophy at stake, both teams will be eager to claim victory and secure their place in history.
In conclusion, while Real Madrid's thrilling draw with Real Sociedad has propelled them into the Copa del Rey final, the team must address their defensive shortcomings to achieve success in the upcoming matches. Ancelotti's ability to balance attacking flair with defensive solidity will be crucial as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
