Real Madrid has booked their place in the Copa del Rey final after an electrifying 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad on Tuesday. The thrilling encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu ended in extra time, with Madrid advancing on a 5-4 aggregate score.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading goals in a high-energy battle. Real Sociedad, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, struck first through Ander Barrenetxea. However, Madrid’s young Brazilian star, Endrick, quickly responded with a stunning chip to level the match.
Real Sociedad regained control as David Alaba’s unfortunate own goal and a deflected effort from Mikel Oyarzabal put them ahead. But Real Madrid, refusing to go down without a fight, responded with goals from Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni. Oyarzabal wasn’t done yet, though, as he scored his second goal deep into stoppage time, forcing the match into extra time.
With penalties looming, Madrid found their hero in Antonio Rudiger. In the 115th minute, the German defender rose highest to meet Arda Guler’s corner, powering a header past Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper Alex Remiro to send Madrid into the final.
Carlo Ancelotti made notable changes to his lineup, starting Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo while giving Kylian Mbappe a rest on the bench. Endrick, who had scored the only goal in the first leg, started up front and was heavily involved from the start, even attempting an audacious overhead kick that went just wide.
Real Sociedad had chances to take control before Madrid’s late comeback. Martin Zubimendi forced a superb save from Andriy Lunin, while Oyarzabal missed a big opportunity to extend his team’s lead. When Sociedad did manage to score, it was through unfortunate deflections that left Lunin with no chance.
Madrid’s fightback started with Vinicius Junior, who created a brilliant assist for Bellingham’s goal. Minutes later, Tchouameni’s header slipped through Remiro’s hands, bringing Madrid level again. Despite Sociedad’s late equalizer, Rudiger ensured Madrid would not be denied, sealing their spot in the final with his decisive goal.
Real Madrid will now await the winner of the other semi-final between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who play their second leg on Wednesday with the aggregate score tied at 4-4.
