Real Madrid hold Real Sociedad in eight-goal thriller to reach Copa del Rey Final
Real Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey final for only the second time in eleven years after a pulsating 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu. The result sealed a 5-4 aggregate victory for Los Blancos, following their narrow 1-0 first-leg win in San Sebastian.
Despite their dominance in European football, Real Madrid have struggled to reach the latter stages of Spain’s domestic cup competition in recent years. However, this dramatic encounter ensures they will now compete for the prestigious trophy once again.
A First-Half Rollercoaster
Real Madrid, carrying a slender advantage into the match, found themselves on the back foot early on when Ander Barrenetxea capitalized on a through ball from Pablo Marín to slot the ball through Andriy Lunin’s legs in the 15th minute. The goal stunned the home crowd, especially after Real had come close through Endrick’s audacious overhead kick and a saved effort from Vinícius Júnior.
Los Blancos responded swiftly. In the 30th minute, Vinícius delivered a sublime outside-of-the-boot pass to Endrick, who calmly chipped the ball over Sociedad’s goalkeeper Alex Remiro to restore parity. The game was finely poised as both sides headed into the break.
Second Half Drama
Carlo Ancelotti’s men looked to press home their advantage in the second half, but clear chances were scarce. The Bernabéu faithful had to wait until the hour mark for another major attacking moment, when Jude Bellingham tested Remiro with a fierce long-range shot.
However, Sociedad struck again, courtesy of a stroke of fortune. Marín’s determined run and cross deflected off David Alaba’s heel, sneaking past Lunin and into the net. Just minutes later, another deflected effort—this time from Mikel Oyarzabal—ricocheted off Alaba and into the goal, putting Real Sociedad ahead on aggregate and leaving Madrid on the brink of elimination.
Madrid’s never-say-die attitude came to the fore once more, as Bellingham coolly slotted home from inside the box after an electric run by Vinícius. The momentum shifted again in Madrid’s favor when Aurélien Tchouaméni rose highest to head past Remiro, giving Los Blancos the lead again.
Late Drama and Extra Time Heroics
Just when it seemed Madrid had done enough, Sociedad struck again in stoppage time. A pinpoint free-kick delivery from substitute Sergio Gómez found Oyarzabal, who nodded home to force extra time. Before the final whistle, Remiro denied Bellingham a winner, ensuring the spectacle continued for another 30 minutes.
In extra time, both teams probed for an opening, but clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Then, with just five minutes left before a potential penalty shootout, Antonio Rüdiger rose highest to head home from a corner, sending Madrid through to the final in dramatic fashion.
What’s Next?
Real Sociedad, eliminated at this stage for the second consecutive year, will now focus on securing European qualification through LaLiga. Meanwhile, Real Madrid await the winner of Wednesday’s other semi-final clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona.
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