MADRID, April 2, 2025: Real Madrid narrowly advanced to the Copa del Rey final with a thrilling 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad after extra time, securing a 5-4 aggregate win.
Antonio Rudiger’s header in the 115th minute clinched the dramatic tie, with Madrid set to face Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the final. Real Sociedad, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, took the lead through Ander Barrenetxea, but Endrick’s brilliant chip leveled the score for Madrid. A David Alaba own goal and a deflected effort from Mikel Oyarzabal put the Basques ahead, but Madrid fought back with goals from Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Oyarzabal’s second goal in stoppage time forced extra time, but Rudiger’s header in the final moments secured Madrid’s passage. Coach Ancelotti reinstated Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes to the starting lineup, leaving Kylian Mbappe on the bench with Endrick in attack. The young Brazilian striker, who scored in the first leg, was active early, coming close with an overhead kick.
Bellingham also threatened, but Real Sociedad took the lead when Barrenetxea broke through the defense and scored. Madrid quickly responded, with Endrick lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Alex Remiro after a brilliant pass from Vinicius. Real Sociedad appealed for a penalty before halftime, but the referee disagreed.
Ancelotti brought on Mbappe to find a decisive goal, but it was Sociedad who threatened more. Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made a fantastic save to deny Martin Zubimendi, but the Basques took the lead when Alaba deflected a cross into his own net. Oyarzabal’s second goal made it 3-1 for Sociedad, but Madrid responded quickly, with Bellingham and Tchouameni scoring to level the match.
With the tie heading into extra time, Oyarzabal’s header in stoppage time sent the game into extra time, but Madrid clinched the win when Rudiger scored from a corner by Arda Guler. On Wednesday, Atletico Madrid will host Barcelona in the second leg of the other semifinal, with the aggregate score tied at 4-4.