Key Highlights:
In a match that defied logic, Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinal produced an instant classic—packed with emotion, self-inflicted wounds, heroic comebacks, and a last-gasp header to secure a 3-2 victory for Los Blancos. This was Madrid at their chaotic best: struggling, soaring, falling, and rising again, all in the span of 120 unforgettable minutes.
A Nervy Start and a Shocking Lead
The game began with Real Madrid appearing to have the upper hand, but La Real struck first. In the 15th minute, a brilliant sequence saw Zubimendi find Barrenetxea, who drove into the box and slotted the ball through Lunin’s legs. It was a blow that left Madrid scrambling. Despite dominating phases of play in past matches, this time they paid early for their defensive laxity.
Shortly after, Endrick’s acrobatic bicycle kick and Vinicius Jr’s cross-shot threatened to change the narrative, but both efforts missed the target. Madrid looked vulnerable and disjointed, and Ancelotti’s experimental left-back choice—Camavinga—was exposed repeatedly by Take Kubo, the former Madrid man.
Endrick Scores, But La Real Strikes Back
Despite the early troubles, Vinicius Jr turned creator, delivering an exquisite outside-foot pass that found Endrick, who calmly chipped the ball over Remiro to make it 1-1. The teenage Brazilian’s celebration was brief though. Moments later, Madrid suffered a meltdown.
First came the own goal from David Alaba, who inadvertently turned Pablo Marín’s dangerous cross into his own net with a flick of his heel. Minutes later, a deflection off Alaba on Oyarzabal’s shot made it 3-2 for La Real, flipping the match on its head once more.
Madrid’s Bench Sparks a Revival
The turning point came not from tactics, but from character and chaos—Madrid’s favorite tools. Bellingham, quiet until that moment, received a blistering run and pass from Vinicius Jr, burying it for the equalizer and sending the crowd into rapture.
Then came Tchouaméni, rising high to head the ball into the net, putting Madrid ahead again at 3-2. The Bernabéu roared, but Oyarzabal had other plans. In the dying moments of stoppage time, he headed in an equalizer after a goalkeeping error from Lunin, taking the tie into extra time.
Extra Time Drama and Rüdiger’s Heroic Header
As both sides tired, chances came and went. Madrid looked more composed in extra time. Rodrygo threatened, and Ancelotti introduced Arda Güler, whose corner in the final moments found Antonio Rüdiger, the accidental hero, who thundered a header past Remiro to win the game 4-3 on aggregate.
Olasagasti’s reckless challenge on Vinicius Jr could have earned a red card, but the referee showed leniency. By then, Real Sociedad had faded, seemingly settling for penalties that never came.
Ancelotti’s Gamble and the Rise of Endrick
Before the match, Carlo Ancelotti had spoken about managing his squad with calculated risk. He benched Mbappé, giving Endrick his chance to shine. The 17-year-old didn’t disappoint, scoring and showing confidence well beyond his years. However, Camavinga’s role at left-back failed miserably, exposing the Madrid defense early on.
Substitutions made the difference—Vinicius, Bellingham, Tchouaméni, and finally Rüdiger all delivered in moments that mattered. The game underlined Madrid’s bench strength, but also raised questions about defensive consistency.
La Real’s Missed Opportunity
Real Sociedad had their moments. Oyarzabal, Kubo, and Marín caused trouble, but they failed to land the knockout blow. Despite Alaba’s gifts, and moments of Madrid vulnerability, La Real couldn’t hold their lead. Their energy waned, their pressing dropped, and Madrid’s experience ultimately prevailed.
They may not have replicated their 2020 Copa magic, but they pushed one of Europe’s elite teams to the brink. However, in the Bernabéu cauldron, 120 minutes can feel like a lifetime—and it was Real Madrid’s lifetime of late heroics that made the difference.
What’s Next for Madrid?
With the Copa del Rey final now secured, Madrid will shift focus to La Liga and Champions League duties. But this match—its chaos, courage, and comebacks—will live on as a reminder of what makes Madrid dangerous. They may falter, fall behind, or even self-sabotage. But count them out at your peril.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Becomes Instant Classic
The Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad clash was a Copa del Rey semifinal for the ages. Drama, goals, own goals, teenage brilliance, and last-minute heroics—it had it all. While Real Madrid marches into the final once more, the night belonged to chaos, character, and courage.
Real Madrid may not always play well, but they always play to win. And in this competition of emotion and unpredictability, that’s often enough.
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