Real Madrid secured a spot in the Copa del Rey final after a captivating 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad in the second leg of their semifinal tie at the Santiago Bernabéu, as per Al Jazeera.
Antonio Rudiger’s late header in extra time proved decisive, securing a 5-4 aggregate victory for the reigning champions.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Real Sociedad initially took the lead through Ander Barrenetxea. However, Endrick’s skillful chip leveled the score for Madrid. An own goal from David Alaba and a deflected shot from Mikel Oyarzabal gave La Real the advantage, but Madrid fought back with goals from Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni. Oyarzabal’s late equalizer in stoppage time forced extra time, where Rudiger ultimately sealed the victory for Real Madrid.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti opted to include Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes in the starting lineup, resting Kylian Mbappe. 18-year-old Endrick, who scored the only goal in the first leg, showcased his talent early on with a dangerous overhead kick.
While Bellingham threatened for the home side, it was Real Sociedad who broke the deadlock. Barrenetxea capitalized on a flick-on from Pablo Marin to fire a low shot past Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Real Madrid responded swiftly, with Vinicius delivering a precise through ball to Endrick, who expertly chipped the ball over Romero to level the score.
In the second half, Ancelotti introduced Mbappe, but Real Sociedad continued to create opportunities. After Lunin denied Martin Zubimendi, Alaba deflected Marin’s cross into his own net, giving Real Sociedad the lead on the night. Alaba was also involved in Real Sociedad’s third goal, deflecting Oyarzabal’s shot past Lunin.
Madrid responded with a goal from Bellingham, who converted a cross from Vinicius. Shortly after, Tchouameni’s header was fumbled into his own net by Real Sociedad goalkeeper Remiro, tying the score at 3-3.
However, Oyarzabal’s header from Sergio Gomez’s free-kick in stoppage time forced the game into extra time.
As fatigue set in, the pace slowed. But in the 115th minute, Rudiger rose to meet Arda Guler’s corner, heading past Remiro to secure Real Madrid’s place in the final.
Real Madrid will now face either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid, who are tied 4-4 on aggregate heading into their second-leg match on Wednesday.
