Two-Goal Deficit to Reach Copa del Rey Final
Real Madrid Overturns Two-Goal Deficit to Reach Copa del Rey Final: A Thrilling 4-4 Draw Against Real Sociedad Secures 5-4 Aggregate Victory!
Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger’s dramatic extra-time header secured a 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad, securing their place in the Copa del Rey final on 1 April 2025. They need to win 5-4, with the first leg being decided by two goals. After the semi-final, fans at the Bernabeu have been told to try and support their club, while also taking the advice that both teams should be supported from the get-go.
Real Madrid’s Road to the Final
The thrilling and dramatic semifinal matchup between Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad had everyone on edge until the last siren. Real Madrid succeeded in taking a narrow 1-0 lead in the first leg of the match between the two teams, which was played at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián. But ahead of the second leg in Santiago Bernabéu, Real Sociedad had evened the playing field with a solid showing and a two-goal lead overall. The second leg did not let down, as it was ideally positioned for an exciting match.
Real Madrid was favored to advance on paper, but they needed to perform at their highest level to overcome a two-goal deficit. What transpired was an exciting football show that blended offensive vigor, defensive weakness, & the emotion that makes cup tournaments so unforgettable.
The First Half: Real Sociedad’s Early Advantage
Real Sociedad made their intentions clear right away in the second match. They knew that winning or even a close loss would guarantee their spot in the final, so they had arrived in Madrid full of faith and optimism. So in this crucial match, Real Sociedad was the one who started the fight. The aggregate score was 3-1 in Real Sociedad’s favor after they took advantage of a defensive blunder by Real Madrid just after the half.
Real Madrid was under more pressure after this goal. The home audience was very aware that their team was now facing elimination, and the atmosphere within the Santiago Bernabéu were tight. Real Madrid was aware that they needed to act fast to maintain their hopes of winning the Copa del Rey.
Real Madrid’s Response: Vinícius Jr. Brings Hope
Real Madrid was able to find a response quickly. Vinícius Jr., a Brazilian forward, once again displayed his flare and tenacity. Vinícius grabbed a pass form Luka Modrić & placed the ball past Alex Remiro, the goalkeeper for Real Sociedad, to bring one back following a masterfully executed team play. Despite the excitement that filled the Santiago Bernabéu, the visitors still had a 3-2 overall lead.
Real Madrid’s performance was energized after the goal. They were trying to overcome the deficit as a statement of determination, not only to save their season. Real Madrid persisted in their offensive in the ensuing minutes, but Real Sociedad’s defense held firm. With both teams trading forceful punches, the match was turning into a fast-paced contest.
The Drama Continues: Sociedad Strike Back
Real Sociedad had another chance to increase their cumulative lead just when it seems like Real Madrid may take over the match. Alexander Sørloth, the top striker for Real Sociedad, beat Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a strong header in the 58th minute and hit the rear of the net. Real Sociedad was only one goal away from creating history and making it to their first-ever Copa del Rey final, with the overall score currently standing at 4-2.
The Bernabéu fell silent in shock at the goal. Real Madrid’s players seemed shaken, and their chances of overcoming the deficit were limited. With 32 minutes remaining, the squad needed to score two goals to stay in the game. For the Spanish giants, it was either now or never.
Real Madrid’s Determination: Karim Benzema Leads the Charge
Karim Benzema, the captain of Real Madrid, took the initiative when things became tough. Once again, the French forward led the line with poise or experience, displaying his class. After a tussle after a corner kick, Benzema jumped on a loose ball at the box to score a poacher’s goal in the 72nd minute. Real Madrid got one back, increasing the total score to 4-3, and the Santiago Bernabéu erupted.
Real Madrid kept pushing for the equalizer because the momentum was in their favor. With both sides aware of how close they were to creating history, the game was now a suspenseful contest. Real Sociedad’s defense started to falter, when their poise appeared to be eroding.
The Equalizer: Antonio Rüdiger’s Extra-Time Header
In a desperate attempt to tie up the final score, Real Madrid kept attacking Real Sociedad’s goal as the game neared its conclusion. They finally succeeded in the 89th minute. The German center back Antonio Rüdiger, who had been substituted in, headed the ball past Remiro to make it 4-4 after he had met a cross from the right side.
The Santiago Bernabéu was a hive of activity as the match entered extra time, with the overall score now level at 4–4. With everything on the line in the final half hour, the tension of this match had peaked.
Extra Time: Rüdiger Becomes the Hero
Both teams gave it their all as extra time went on because they knew they could not afford to make any more blunders. Ultimately, Antonio Rüdiger was the night’s hero. As the game was coming to a finish, Rüdiger this time found himself in the right position at the right moment. He rose above Real Sociedad’s defense to score a powerful header in the 113th minute that sent the ball crashing into the net. Real Madrid had transformed a two-goal deficit into a well-deserved triumph, & their current aggregate score was 5-4 in their favor.
At that moment, Real Madrid maintained their slim lead, thereby ending the game. Real Madrid had guaranteed their spot in the Copa del Rey final, and the Santiago Bernabéu was ablaze with celebration as the final whistle blew. “no follow”
Real Madrid’s Path to the Final: What’s Next?
Real Madrid will now take on the champion of the second semifinals between Atletico Madrid or Barcelona after their fascinating victory with Real Sociedad. Real Madrid will be seeking to add another Copa del Rey championship to their impressive trophy collection at the final, which will be held at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville. The encounter with Real Sociedad will be remembered as one of the best cup matches ever, showing the tenacity or energy of both sides.
Building on their triumph over Real Sociedad, Real Madrid will face their next problem in the final and continue their quest for a trophy in the 2024–2025 campaign. As they rejoice in this well-earned triumph, they are aware that if they want to take every one of the chances for success that lie ahead, they must maintain this strong league or Champions League play.
Match Summary Table
| Match | Date | Venue | Result | Aggregate Score |
| First Leg | Feb 26, 2025 | Reale Arena | Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid | 0-1 |
| Second Leg | Apr 1, 2025 | Santiago Bernabéu | Real Madrid 4-4 Real Sociedad | 5-4 |
To sum it, Real Madrid’s triumph over Real Sociedad was an exciting football match that included skill, tenacity, and unexpected turns. It will surely go down as being among the most thrilling games of the Copa del Rey season in 2024–2025. Now that Real Madrid has guaranteed their spot in the final, all eyes will be on their matchup with either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid as they compete for the coveted championship.
