Real Madrid advanced to their second Copa del Rey final in three seasons after a pulsating encounter with Real Sociedad, requiring extra time to secure a 5-4 aggregate victory. German defender Antonio Rudiger emerged as the hero, heading home the decisive goal in the 115th minute from Arda Guler’s precise corner delivery.
“It was a hard game. A lot of comebacks. In the end, I scored. I’m very happy it was Real Madrid [who won],” Rudiger said afterward. “The goal? An amazing assist by Arda [Guler]. Because of it, we’re in the final.”
According Soccertv365, the match epitomized Real Madrid’s renowned resilience and fighting spirit. After winning the first leg 1-0 in February, Madrid found themselves in trouble when Sociedad’s Ander Barrenetxea opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Brazilian sensation Endrick equalized with a delicate chip over goalkeeper Alex Remiro in the 30th minute.
The drama intensified in the second half with David Alaba’s unfortunate own goal putting Sociedad ahead in the 72nd minute before Mikel Oyarzabal extended their lead eight minutes later. Madrid responded immediately through Jude Bellingham in the 82nd minute and Aurelien Tchouameni in the 86th, only for Oyarzabal to force extra time with a stoppage-time header.
“I love this madness. I want to win more easily, of course, but when we experience this, with all the fans celebrating like this, and the substitutes – I love it,” enthused Endrick. “I love being a Real Madrid player, I just love being here.”
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will face either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the April 26 final in Seville. Madrid won their 20th Copa title in 2023 by defeating Osasuna and will be looking to add another trophy to their illustrious cabinet as they continue their pursuit of multiple honors this season.