Real Madrid Edges Past Real Sociedad in Thrilling Copa del Rey Semi-Final
Real Madrid secured their place in the Copa del Rey final after a breathtaking 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad on Tuesday. The rollercoaster match, which saw multiple lead changes and ended in extra time, culminated in a 5-4 aggregate victory for Los Blancos. Antonio Rudiger’s decisive header in the 115th minute sealed the win, sending Madrid to a final showdown against either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid.
A Goal-Fest at the Bernabéu
The match was a feast for the senses, a whirlwind of attacking football and dramatic twists. Real Sociedad, down 1-0 from the first leg, took an early lead through Ander Barrenetxea. However, Endrick, the young Brazilian sensation, quickly leveled with a delicate chip over the keeper. A David Alaba own goal and a deflected Mikel Oyarzabal strike put La Real in the driving seat. But Madrid, fueled by goals from Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni, fought back valiantly. Oyarzabal’s dramatic stoppage-time equalizer sent the game into extra time. Rudiger then emerged as the hero, heading home the winner after a corner.
Key Performances and Controversies
Endrick continued his impressive Copa del Rey form, scoring his fifth goal in the competition. Vinicius Jr. provided a stunning assist for Endrick's goal, showcasing his exceptional skill. Rudiger praised the quality of the corner leading to his goal, highlighting the team effort. However, the match wasn't without controversy. Oyarzabal expressed frustration over a perceived offside in the build-up to Tchouameni's goal, believing Kylian Mbappé's positioning influenced the play. Ancelotti also felt a foul on Vinicius should have resulted in a red card.
Road to the Final and What Lies Ahead
Despite the dramatic nature of the game, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with the result, emphasizing the team's resilience and their focus on reaching the final. Real Madrid will now await their opponent – either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid – in the final on April 26th at the La Cartuja stadium. The path to victory hasn't been easy, but Real Madrid's determination to secure another trophy remains unshaken. Their victory over Real Sociedad, a testament to their fighting spirit, sets the stage for a captivating Copa del Rey final.