Real Madrid Secure Spot in Copa Del Rey Final Following Eight-Goal Clash with Real Sociedad

Real Madrid has secured a spot in the Copa Del Rey final for the second time in eleven years, drawing a pulsating semi-final second leg with Real Sociedad 4-4 after extra time, ultimately winning 5-4 on aggregate thanks to their earlier 1-0 victory in San Sebastián.

Despite their recent European triumphs, this marks only Real’s second appearance in a domestic cup semi-final over the past 11 years.

Defending their slim lead from the first leg, the hosts found themselves trailing shortly after the 15-minute mark when Ander Barrenetxea slotted a shot through Andriy Lunin’s legs, following a clever through ball from Pablo Marin.

This goal came somewhat against the run of play, as Endrick had already come close for Real on two occasions, including an ambitious overhead kick, while Vinicius Junior’s attempt was thwarted by Alex Remiro.

However, the hosts equalised in the 30th minute, with a brilliant exchange between the two Brazilian players.

Vinicius executed a magnificent pass with the outside of his boot, setting up Endrick, who delicately lobbed the ball over Remiro.

After the half-time break, Carlo Ancelotti’s team sought to extend their advantage, yet clear chances were hard to come by. Fans had to wait until the 60th minute for the next effort on target, which saw Jude Bellingham test Remiro with a powerful shot from distance.

Inevitably, it was Sociedad who took the lead next, albeit with a hefty stroke of luck.

Determined work from Marin enabled him to reach the byline, where he delivered a cross that, more out of hope than expectation, found the unfortunate David Alaba, deflecting off him and rolling between Lunin’s legs into the back of the net.

Unbelievably, Los Txuri-urdin surged ahead on aggregate shortly after, with luck still favouring them.

Once again, Alaba had his head in his hands when Mikel Oyarzabal’s strike deflected off him, hit the post, and nestled into the back of the net.

Real Madrid, however, are never one to back down, and they quickly reduced the deficit when Bellingham side-footed home from the heart of the penalty area, following some exceptional wing play from Vinicius.

Before long, Los Blancos regained control, taking the lead in the tie with Aurelien Tchouameni heading in, although Remiro may feel he should have done better with that effort.

With seven minutes of injury time added, the stage was set for more drama, and it did not disappoint.

A perfectly delivered free-kick from substitute Sergio Gomez allowed Oyarzabal to head past Lunin, sending the match into extra time, though only after Remiro had denied Bellingham with a great save.

As the extra 30 minutes began, Sociedad applied early pressure, but Remiro was not called into significant action.

Just as the match seemed destined for penalties, Real struck a decisive blow. Antonio Rudiger found the back of the net with a header from a corner five minutes before full-time.

Unlike previous encounters, Sociedad were unable to respond adequately as they were eliminated from the competition at this stage for the second consecutive year.

They’ll now focus their efforts on securing a European spot through LaLiga, while Real Madrid will keep a close eye on Wednesday’s other semi-final second leg between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona to find out their opponents in the final.