Real Madrid showcased their resilience and attacking prowess in a breathtaking 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final at the Santiago Bernabéu. Thanks to their 1-0 victory in the first leg, Los Blancos progressed to the final with a 5-4 aggregate win, marking only their second domestic cup final appearance in the last 11 years.
This thrilling encounter had everything—goals, drama, and unforgettable moments. Carlo Ancelotti’s side displayed their fighting spirit against a determined Real Sociedad team that came agonizingly close to staging a historic upset.
Real Sociedad Strike First
Real Madrid entered the match with a narrow 1-0 advantage from their victory in San Sebastian. However, their early lead was soon undone as Real Sociedad stunned the home crowd with a swift counterattack around the 15-minute mark.
Pablo Marin’s perfectly weighted through ball found Ander Barrenetxea, who coolly slotted the ball between Andriy Lunin’s legs to level the tie on aggregate. Despite having the advantage, Sociedad’s opener came against the run of play.
GOAL | Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad | Barrenetxea
BARRENETXEA OPENS THE SCORING FOR REAL SOCIEDAD !!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/qW9XXauScI
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) April 1, 2025
Before conceding, Real Madrid had threatened the visitors’ goal multiple times. Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, in particular, looked sharp, attempting a spectacular overhead kick that narrowly missed the target. Vinicius Junior also tested Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro with a well-placed shot.
Vinicius and Endrick Combine for Equalizer
Real Madrid were not discouraged by falling behind. The hosts continued to press forward and their efforts were rewarded in the 30th minute.
Vinicius Junior, who was a constant threat throughout the game, produced a moment of magic with a brilliant outside-of-the-boot pass that perfectly released Endrick. The young forward showed composure beyond his years, delicately lofting the ball over Remiro to make it 1-1 on the night.
The tie remained delicately poised as the two teams headed into halftime, with Real Madrid holding a slender aggregate lead.
Second-Half Drama Unfolds
After the interval, both teams seemed cautious, with clear-cut chances proving difficult to come by. Real Madrid continued to probe Sociedad’s defense, but Remiro was equal to their efforts, notably denying Jude Bellingham’s powerful strike from distance.
Yet, it was Real Sociedad who would strike next, courtesy of an unfortunate error. Marin’s low cross into the box deflected off David Alaba’s heel and trickled into the net, leaving Lunin helpless. Suddenly, Real Sociedad found themselves leading on aggregate, 2-1.
Their joy was compounded moments later when Mikel Oyarzabal’s shot struck Alaba, hit the post, and somehow found its way into the net. With a 3-1 lead on the night and a 3-2 advantage on aggregate, Real Sociedad appeared to be in control.
Bellingham Sparks Madrid Comeback
Despite the sudden shift in momentum, Real Madrid’s response was almost immediate. Within seconds, Vinicius Junior delivered another brilliant assist, setting up Jude Bellingham, who calmly side-footed the ball into the net from the middle of the penalty area.
GOAL | Real Madrid 2-3 Real Sociedad | Jude Bellingham
JUDE BELLINGHAM SCORES STRAIGHT AWAY FOR REAL MADRID !!!!!!pic.twitter.com/HJEpYaiLs9
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) April 1, 2025
Now trailing only 3-2 on the night and tied 3-3 on aggregate, Real Madrid pushed forward with renewed intensity. Their attacking efforts paid off when Aurelien Tchouameni rose highest to head home, giving Los Blancos a 4-3 lead on the night and 4-3 aggregate advantage.
Remiro, who had been solid for much of the game, would be disappointed with his inability to keep out Tchouameni’s header.
GOAL | Real Madrid 3-3 Real Sociedad | Tchouameni
TCHOUAMENI EQUALIZES FOR REAL MADRID !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4-3 ON AGGREGATE !!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/OdEixpWzsA
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) April 1, 2025
Late Drama Forces Extra Time
With seven minutes of added time, the game still had another twist. Sociedad substitute Sergio Gomez delivered a perfect free-kick into the box, allowing Oyarzabal to head beyond Lunin and send the encounter into extra-time with a 4-4 scoreline.
GOAL | Real Madrid 3-4 Real Sociedad | Oyarzabal
OYARZABAL GIVES REAL SOCIEDAD THE LEAD IN THE 93RD MINUTE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4-4 ON AGGREGATE !!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/3dlTJyIcTr
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) April 1, 2025
Before the whistle blew, Remiro made a crucial save from a Bellingham effort, ensuring the tie remained evenly poised.
Rudiger’s Heroics in Extra-Time
As extra-time began, Real Madrid were the more aggressive side, but Sociedad’s defensive resilience kept them in the game. Remiro remained largely untroubled for most of the additional 30 minutes.
With penalties looming, Real Madrid found the decisive moment they needed. Antonio Rudiger rose above the Sociedad defense to head home from a corner, giving Los Blancos a 5-4 aggregate lead with only five minutes left to play.
RUDIGER GOAL…WE’RE WINNING IT
ARDA WHAT A DELIVERY pic.twitter.com/l9v29LPILL
— Dr Yash (@YashRMFC) April 1, 2025
This time, Sociedad could not find an answer. Their valiant effort ended in heartbreak as Real Madrid celebrated their place in the Copa Del Rey final.
Real Madrid’s Path to Copa Del Rey Glory
Reaching the Copa Del Rey final is a rare feat for Real Madrid in recent years. Despite their dominance in European competitions, domestic cup success has been elusive. This victory marks only their second final appearance in 11 years.
The win over Real Sociedad is a testament to the character and quality of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. With Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Endrick playing key roles, Los Blancos demonstrated their ability to recover from adversity and find success in high-pressure situations.
They will now eagerly await the outcome of the other semi-final between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. Real Madrid fans will hope their team can end the long domestic cup drought and secure silverware in this year’s Copa Del Rey final.
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