Endrick’s great goal ensures victory for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad

La asistencia: 🤩

La definición: 🤩 pic.twitter.com/tlZydVDAEy

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 26, 2025

First Half Sets the Tone with Endrick’s Magic

Endrick stole the spotlight early on. At the 18th minute of the first half, the young Brazilian latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Bellingham, controlled it with finesse, and slotted it past goalkeeper Remiro with a delicate left-footed finish using the outside of his boot. The goal not only handed Real Madrid the lead but shifted the match’s momentum, forcing Real Sociedad to push forward in search of a response.

The Basque side didn’t back down, creating dangerous moments of their own. At the 26th minute, Oyarzabal capitalized on a sloppy Real Madrid turnover and fired a low shot inside the box, only for Lunin to make a critical save. A minute later, Vinicius Junior nearly doubled the lead on a swift counterattack, linking up with Bellingham before forcing Remiro into a brilliant stop with a low drive. The first half ended 1-0, despite clear chances for both teams, highlighting the goalkeepers’ standout performances.

In stoppage time of the opening period, Real Sociedad pressed with a dangerous corner at the 48th minute, but Tchouaméni cleared it with a towering header. Earlier, at the 47th minute, play was briefly halted as the referee conferred with both coaches, possibly due to offensive chants from the stands. The first 45 minutes were a testament to the game’s competitiveness, with Real Madrid edging ahead thanks to Endrick’s brilliance.

Second Half Brings Pressure and Heroic Saves

Real Madrid returned from the break with a change, as Lucas Vázquez replaced Asencio at right-back, adding experience to the backline. Real Sociedad countered with substitutions at the 16th minute, bringing on Becker and Pablo Marín for Barrenetxea and Sucic to inject fresh energy into their attack. Despite their efforts, the equalizer remained elusive, while Real Madrid focused on preserving their lead.

Just three minutes into the second half, Oyarzabal had a golden opportunity to level the score, heading freely from a pinpoint Barrenetxea cross, but Lunin produced a sensational save and followed it up by denying Kubo’s rebound effort. On the other end, Endrick nearly struck again at the 5th minute, unleashing a fierce left-footed shot from a Camavinga pass that rattled the crossbar. The game remained electric, with both sides trading blows but failing to change the scoreboard.

Substitutions continued to shape the contest. At the 37th minute, Vinicius Junior made way for Brahim Díaz, and Rodrygo replaced Arda Güler for Real Madrid, while Javi López came on for Muñoz on the Real Sociedad side. In the dying moments, with four minutes of added time announced, Bellingham tested Remiro with a long-range strike at the 42nd minute, but the goalkeeper stood tall, ensuring the score remained 1-0.

Standout Performers Who Shaped the Game

Endrick claimed the night’s headlines with his match-winning goal, displaying composure and skill beyond his years. The Brazilian, subbed off for Alaba at the 26th minute of the second half, left the pitch as the game’s defining figure. Bellingham played a pivotal role too, not just with his assist but with his relentless work in midfield, dictating play and threatening with shots of his own.

Goalkeepers Lunin and Remiro were equally instrumental. Lunin secured the win with key saves, notably his double stop at the 3rd minute of the second half, while Remiro kept Real Sociedad in contention by thwarting Vinicius Junior at the 10th minute and Bellingham at the 36th minute after a deflected effort. Tchouaméni’s timely interventions, such as blocks at the 23rd and 25th minutes of the second half, bolstered Real Madrid’s defensive resilience.

Real Sociedad leaned on Kubo and Oyarzabal as their creative sparks, but poor finishing let them down. Becker, introduced in the second half, troubled the defense with his dribbling but failed to deliver in the final third, as seen at the 28th minute when Rüdiger easily cleared his cross.

Key Moments That Defined the Match

The game hinged on several critical plays that could have swung the result either way. Here are the standout moments:

• At the 18th minute of the first half, Endrick scored the only goal with a clinical finish from Bellingham’s pass.
• At the 26th minute of the first half, Oyarzabal’s close-range shot was denied by Lunin.
• At the 3rd minute of the second half, Lunin made a stunning double save on Oyarzabal’s header and Kubo’s follow-up.
• At the 5th minute of the second half, Endrick’s thunderous strike hit the crossbar.
• At the 10th minute of the second half, Remiro parried a curling shot from Vinicius Junior.
• At the 36th minute of the second half, Remiro denied Bellingham after a deflection off Zubeldia.
• At the 42nd minute of the second half, Bellingham’s long-distance effort was comfortably held by Remiro.

These incidents kept fans on edge until the final whistle, showcasing the match’s intensity.

Road to the Copa del Rey Semifinals

The clash between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid caps strong runs in the competition. Real Sociedad earned their semifinal spot with a 2-0 win over Osasuna in the quarterfinals, while Real Madrid edged past Leganés 3-2 in the same round. Here’s the semifinal schedule:

• First leg: Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid, February 26, 2025, Anoeta Stadium.
• Second leg: Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad, April 1, 2025, Santiago Bernabéu, 5:30 PM (Brasília time).

The winner will face either Barcelona or Atlético de Madrid, who drew 4-4 in their first leg. The Copa del Rey final is set for May 2025, with the venue still to be confirmed.

Stats and Numbers Behind the Clash

The game’s balance was reflected in the stats. First-half possession was nearly even, with Real Sociedad at 51% and Real Madrid at 49%, a trend that held throughout. Real Sociedad outshot their opponents over the 90 minutes, but Real Madrid’s clinical edge proved decisive. Yellow cards were shown to Asencio at the 45th minute of the first half and Lucas Vázquez at the 40th minute of the second half, both from Real Madrid, underscoring the physicality on display.

Real Sociedad, ninth in La Liga with 34 points—14 shy of the top four—has won six of their last eight matches. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, unbeaten in six games (four wins, two draws), shares the Spanish league lead with Barcelona, thriving on dual fronts.

Tactical Moves and Substitution Impact

Ancelotti opted for a mixed lineup, entrusting Vinicius Junior with the captain’s armband and Endrick as the attacking focal point. Substitutions like Lucas Vázquez for Asencio at halftime and Brahim Díaz for Vinicius Junior at the 37th minute of the second half shored up the defense and maintained control. Mendy’s entry for Camavinga at the 42nd minute added fresh legs on the flank.

Real Sociedad introduced Becker and Pablo Marín for Barrenetxea and Sucic at the 16th minute of the second half, followed by Óskarsson for Oyarzabal and Elustondo for Aguerd at the 31st minute. Javi López replaced Muñoz at the 37th minute, but the changes couldn’t turn the tide. Their strategy of overloading the box with crosses was stifled by Real Madrid’s backline.

Anoeta Roars, but Real Madrid Takes the Lead

The Real Sociedad faithful packed Anoeta and roared their team on, especially in stoppage time as they hunted an equalizer. At the 44th minute of the second half, Becker’s run down the right fizzled out with the ball rolling over the end line, dashing local hopes. The support couldn’t breach Real Madrid’s disciplined defense, which clung to the 1-0 lead.

Vinicius Junior, despite exiting early, left his mark with pace and a near-assist for Bellingham at the 6th minute of the second half. Bellingham orchestrated play from midfield, while Endrick sealed his star turn with the winning goal. The second leg looms as a tense affair, with Real Madrid holding a slender advantage.