Overview of the Match
Real Madrid has successfully secured their place in the Copa del Rey final, following a nail-biting 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad, which culminated in a 5-4 aggregate victory. The intense match extended into extra time on a suspenseful Tuesday night, where Antonio Rudiger played hero with his decisive header in the 115th minute.
Match Highlights
The clash was remarkable, unfolding with Real Sociedad initially overturning a 1-0 deficit from the first leg through Ander Barrenetxea’s early strike. Madrid responded with Endrick leveling the scores with an exquisite chip. The game escalated with a David Alaba own goal and a deflected shot from Mikel Oyarzabal, giving La Real a temporary upper hand.
- Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni fought back for Madrid, leveling the scores once again.
- Oyarzabal’s second goal pushed the game into extra time, setting the stage for Rudiger’s final heroics.
Key Moments and Strategic Decisions
Real Madrid’s coach, Ancelotti, made tactical changes by reintroducing Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, while resting star player Kylian Mbappe. The youthful Endrick began the match strongly, almost scoring with an overhead kick. His ongoing threats were finally complemented by Vinicius’s assist, which resulted in Madrid’s first goal.
Impressive Saves and Missed Opportunities
As the game intensified, Madrid’s goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made a crucial save against Martin Zubimendi, keeping Madrid in the game. On the flip side, Real Sociedad capitalized on opportunities, notably with Oyarzabal’s second goal forcing extra time.
Conclusion and What’s Next
Rudiger heralded the match as a challenging game filled with comebacks, crediting the quality of the corner for his decisive goal. Ancelotti praised the entertainment value and the team’s resilience under pressure. Real Madrid now awaits the winner between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling final.
The tightly contested match not only highlighted the skills and strategic acumen of both teams but also set the bar high for the upcoming final in the Copa del Rey. Fans can expect a continuation of this high-octane football as Madrid fights to add another trophy to their illustrious history.
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Last Updated: April 2, 2025
