When football fans dream of the beautiful game delivering non-stop excitement, drama, and historic comebacks, this Copa del Rey semifinal between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad is exactly what they imagine. In one of the most electrifying encounters in recent Spanish cup history, Real Madrid clawed their way to a 4-4 draw, which proved enough to win 5-4 on aggregate and seal their place in the final.
From sensational goals and defensive blunders to heroic performances and late drama, the night had everything—and more. Let’s dive into how this classic unfolded and why it’s already being called one of the greatest Copa del Rey semifinals ever played.
🏁 @RealMadridEn 4-4 @RealSociedadEN (5-4 agg.)
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 1, 2025
⚽ 16' Barrenetxea
⚽ 30' @Endrick
⚽ 72' Alaba (og)
⚽ 80' Oyarzabal
⚽ 82' @BellinghamJude
⚽ 86' @ATchouameni
⚽ 90'+3' Oyarzabal
⚽ 115' @ToniRuediger
👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/fMklen2HN6
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad First Leg: Madrid’s Narrow Advantage
Real Madrid came into the second leg with a slender 1-0 advantage secured in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. That single goal left everything to play for in the return fixture at Reale Arena, where Real Sociedad was determined to mount a comeback in front of their passionate home fans.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Match Start: Sociedad Sparks the Fire
The game burst into life early as Ander Barrenetxea gave Real Sociedad the perfect start, leveling the aggregate score and setting the stage for what would become a goal-laden night. His composed finish after a slick team move brought the home crowd to life and gave Sociedad the belief they could pull off an upset.
Endrick’s Instant Response
Just as momentum swung toward Sociedad, Real Madrid’s young Brazilian sensation Endrick showcased why he’s being tipped as the future of Los Blancos. He capitalized on a defensive lapse and lobbed the goalkeeper with a deft chip that silenced the stadium and swung the aggregate back in Madrid’s favor.
Twist After Twist: Alaba’s Blunder and Oyarzabal’s Strike
The tide quickly turned again. A moment of chaos in Madrid’s box led to a calamitous own goal by David Alaba, and soon after, Mikel Oyarzabal’s deflected shot found the net to give Sociedad a 3-2 lead on aggregate. Suddenly, the underdogs were in the driver’s seat, and Madrid’s path to the final looked uncertain.
💭 When we look back, we’ll all remember where we were and who we were with. pic.twitter.com/Ih6iP2JFu9
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) April 2, 2025
Bellingham and Tchouaméni Pull Madrid Back
Cometh the hour, cometh the heroes. Jude Bellingham, who has been nothing short of magical in his debut season, took control. The Englishman slotted home a crucial equalizer, drawing comparisons to legends like Zinedine Zidane for his poise under pressure. Moments later, Aurélien Tchouaméni struck from distance, giving Madrid a 4-3 aggregate advantage once more.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Stoppage-Time Chaos
Just when Madrid seemed poised to see out the match, Sociedad struck again. In the dying seconds of stoppage time, Oyarzabal latched onto a loose ball and smashed it home, completing his brace and leveling the aggregate score at 4-4. The semifinal was headed for extra time, and the drama wasn’t over yet.
Rüdiger’s Heroic Header Seals the Deal
With both sides exhausted but still pushing for a winner, it was German defender Antonio Rüdiger who rose highest in the 115th minute to meet a pinpoint cross. His bullet header sent the Madrid bench into euphoria and ultimately proved to be the decider. Sociedad had no response, and Real Madrid emerged victorious on aggregate, 5-4.
Madrid Marches to the Final
With this result, Real Madrid books their spot in the Copa del Rey final, where they await the winner of the other semifinal between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The final is scheduled for April 26 in Seville—a date Madridistas will now circle on their calendars.
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👔 @MrAncelotti: "We're in the final again and we've achieved our objective"
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 1, 2025
📺 Press conference ➡️ RM Play
Conclusion
With one foot now firmly planted in the Copa del Rey final, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad must shift focus back to La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. With the club still chasing a historic treble, performances like this will fuel their belief that anything is possible.
