Real Madrid secured their spot in the Copa del Rey final for only the second time in eleven years, emerging victorious in a dramatic semi-final clash against Real Sociedad. The second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu ended in a pulsating 4-4 draw after extra time, with Madrid progressing 5-4 on aggregate, thanks to their 1-0 win in the first leg in San Sebastian.
Despite their dominance in European competitions in recent years, this marked just Real Madrid�s second domestic cup semi-final appearance in over a decade. The match showcased the resilience and attacking flair that have become synonymous with Carlo Ancelotti�s side, as they overcame multiple deficits to book their place in the final.
The game started with Real Sociedad taking a surprise lead in the 15th minute. Ander Barrenetxea capitalized on a precise through ball from Pablo Marin, slotting the ball through goalkeeper Andriy Lunin�s legs. The goal came against the run of play, as Madrid�s Endrick had already tested Sociedad�s Alex Remiro with a speculative overhead kick, while Vinicius Junior saw an effort saved.
Real Madrid responded in style on the half-hour mark. Vinicius Junior delivered a breathtaking pass with the outside of his boot, setting up Endrick, who lofted the ball delicately over Remiro to level the score at 1-1. The Brazilian duo�s connection electrified the home crowd and set the tone for a rollercoaster encounter.
The second half saw Sociedad regain the lead through a stroke of misfortune for Madrid. Marin�s hopeful low cross deflected off David Alaba�s heel, trickling past Lunin in the 65th minute. Minutes later, luck favored the visitors again when Mikel Oyarzabal�s shot struck Alaba, hit the post, and nestled into the net, putting Sociedad ahead on aggregate.
Undeterred, Real Madrid fought back instantly. Jude Bellingham equalized with a clinical side-footed finish following brilliant wing play from Vinicius, before Aurelien Tchouameni headed home from a corner to restore Madrid�s aggregate lead. Remiro, however, will rue his failure to keep out the effort.
With the game heading into seven minutes of stoppage time, Sociedad refused to relent. Substitute Sergio Gomez�s pinpoint free-kick found Oyarzabal, who headed past Lunin to force extra time, moments after Remiro denied Bellingham a potential winner.
Extra time saw Madrid apply early pressure, but it wasn�t until the 115th minute that Antonio Rudiger delivered the decisive blow. The German defender rose highest to head in a corner, securing a 4-4 draw on the night and a 5-4 aggregate triumph. Sociedad, despite their valiant effort, could not muster a response, exiting the competition at the semi-final stage for the second consecutive year.
Real Madrid now await the outcome of Wednesday�s semi-final second leg between Atl�tico Madrid and Barcelona to determine their opponents in the final. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad will shift their focus to securing a European spot through LaLiga.
Ancelotti praised his team�s character post-match: �We never give up. It was a tough night, but the players showed their quality and determination.� For Sociedad, the defeat marks another near miss in their pursuit of domestic silverware, leaving fans to wonder what might have been in a tie defined by fine margins and moments of brilliance.
