Madrid Clinches 5-4 Aggregate Win Over Real Sociedad in Semi-Final Classic
MADRID, April 2 – Real Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey 2025 final in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night, after a 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad secured them a 5-4 aggregate victory. In a semi-final clash packed with goals, momentum shifts, and emotional highs, it was Antonio Rüdiger’s 115th-minute header that sealed the deal for Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Early Lead, Late Drama: A Night of Twists
Real Sociedad, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, struck early with a goal from Ander Barrenetxea, giving the visitors hope. But 18-year-old Endrick, who had scored the winner in the first leg, equalized for Madrid with a clever lob after a pinpoint pass from Vinícius Júnior.
Sociedad responded strongly. An own goal by David Alaba and a deflected strike from Mikel Oyarzabal gave them a 3-1 lead, tilting the tie back in their favor.
Madrid Fights Back as Substitutes Shift the Game
Carlo Ancelotti rotated his squad, starting Endrick in place of Kylian Mbappé, who was later introduced in the second half. Despite increased pressure from Sociedad, Jude Bellingham brought Madrid back into contention in the 82nd minute, and Aurélien Tchouaméni’s header four minutes later capitalized on a goalkeeping error from Alex Remiro to level the score at 4-4.
Just as the match seemed poised for penalties, Oyarzabal struck again in stoppage time, forcing extra time with his second goal of the night.
Rüdiger the Savior in Extra Time
With penalties looming, it was Antonio Rüdiger who stepped up. In the 115th minute, the German defender rose high to meet Arda Güler’s corner, delivering a powerful header into the net and booking Madrid’s place in the final.
Madrid will now face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, who are level 4-4 after the first leg. A thrilling final is already on the horizon.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.