In a dramatic Copa del Rey semifinal match on April 1, 2025, Real Madrid secured their place in the final after a 5-4 aggregate win over Real Sociedad. The thrilling second leg ended in a 4-4 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Antonio Rüdiger scoring the decisive goal in extra time.
Early Drama as Sociedad Takes the Lead
The match started with Real Sociedad taking the early initiative. Ander Barrenetxea broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. Real Madrid faced an uphill battle from the start.
Real Madrid’s Response
However, Real Madrid bounced back quickly. Endrick, the young Brazilian forward, equalized in the 30th minute with a brilliant chip over the Sociedad goalkeeper. The game was back on level terms, but the action was far from over.
Sociedad Strikes Again
As the match wore on, Real Sociedad found their rhythm. In the 80th minute, Pablo Marín and Mikel Oyarzabal scored two quick goals, with Oyarzabal’s header deflecting off David Alaba to make it 3-1. With only minutes remaining, the game seemed almost lost for Real Madrid.
Late Heroics from Madrid
Just when it seemed Sociedad would seal the win, Real Madrid showed their resilience. Jude Bellingham scored in the 82nd minute, pulling his team within one goal. Then, in the 86th minute, Aurélien Tchouaméni netted the equalizer to make it 3-3 and send the game into extra time.
Rüdiger’s Moment of Glory
With the tension reaching its peak, extra time began. Real Sociedad briefly regained the lead with a goal from Oyarzabal in stoppage time, but Real Madrid refused to back down. In the 115th minute, Antonio Rüdiger headed in a corner to give Madrid the 4-4 draw on the night and send them through to the final with a 5-4 aggregate score.
Real Madrid’s Path to the Final
This dramatic victory sets up a thrilling Copa del Rey final. Real Madrid will face either Barcelona or Atlético Madrid, both of whom are competing in the other semifinal. Madrid will now aim to add another prestigious trophy to their collection.
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