Real Madrid edged out Real Sociedad with a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal showdown at the Reale Arena, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling return leg. The only goal of the match came courtesy of young talent Endrick, marking another milestone for the 17-year-old forward who has been making waves since joining the squad.
The match, though hard-fought, was marred by troubling incidents from the stands. Sections of the home crowd targeted Real Madrid's Raúl asencio with chants of "asencio, muérete" — "asencio, die" — which echoed throughout the stadium. These waves of vitriol were linked to recent controversies surrounding the young player; he is embroiled in legal troubles related to the alleged distribution of inappropriate material involving a minor, and this situation has deeply affected his participation on the field.
During the match, the referee, Sánchez Martínez, took notice of the disturbing chants after being alerted by Vinícius Junior, the captain of Real Madrid. Following protocol for dealing with such incidents, he paused the game briefly, as messages were announced over the stadium's PA system decrying discrimination and racism.
After halftime, coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to substitute asencio with Lucas Vázquez, acknowledging both the player's precarious emotional state and the fact he was already on a yellow card after committing a foul earlier. "Nobody likes to hear 'die' shouted at them from the stands. He was affected and clearly not content. I preferred to take him out because his feelings could affect his performance," said Ancelotti at the post-match press conference.
Despite the off-field issues, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team's overall performance. The squad remained solid and methodical against what he described as "a very good rival". He noted, "Even with rotations in our lineup, we've maintained solidity and shown great teamwork defensively. Our defensive organization has markedly improved."
Adding to the team's concerns, midfielder Dani Ceballos had to exit the match due to what was initially reported as muscle discomfort. "It's unfortunate about Dani, but we can't do anything about it now. He will undergo tests tomorrow to determine the extent of his injury," Ancelotti mentioned, recognizing the potential loss of Ceballos as detrimental to the squad's depth.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti also highlighted the bright spots of the match, particularly the contributions from younger players like Endrick. "He has exactly the skills we've seen through these cup matches; he’s quick, powerful, and shows great finishing ability. While he still needs to work on his ball control, he’s shown tremendous potential, and we're pleased with his progress," explained the coach.
The atmosphere at the Reale Arena remained charged as societal tensions unfolded against the backdrop of the football match. Ancelotti noted the importance of professional handling during such chaotic incidents, stating, "Vinicius did well to speak up to the referee. The protocol was enacted, and it was handled appropriately. It's what needed to happen. It’s good to see the players present are aware of these issues."
Although the outcome bodes well for Real Madrid's chances at advancing to the final, Ancelotti urged caution, warning, "We still need to play the second leg at our home ground and must maintain the same level of intensity to assure our success. Today was good, but it’s just one step toward our goal."
With the second leg approaching, both sides will prepare for another intense encounter. Real Madrid, buoyed by their solid defensive showing and young talents, stands prepared to navigate the hostility they might face. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad will look to turn the tables at the Santiago Bernabéu, making for what promises to be an electrifying clash.