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WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Madrid have qualified for the Copa del Rey final after an exhilarating semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad, winning 5-4 on aggregate. The match ended 4-4 after extra time at the Santiago Bernabéu. Antonio Rüdiger’s decisive 115th-minute header secured the victory, completing the comeback where Madrid were losing 3-1 on the match in the second half.
Real Sociedad fought valiantly with Ander Barrenetxea’s early goal and a pair of unfortunate own goals by David Alaba, as well as a stoppage-time strike from Mikel Oyarzabal that forced extra time. However, Madrid’s resilient display, featuring goals from Endrick, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and ultimately Rüdiger, ensured their progression to another final.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The final, set to take place on April 26 at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, will pit Real Madrid against either Barcelona or Atlético Madrid, whose semi-final second leg is scheduled for Wednesday. The rivalry promises a dramatic showdown, especially given Madrid’s mixed domestic campaign during the 2024-25 season. In prior meetings this season, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have shared victories and draws, including one in the Supercopa semi-final, which Madrid eventually won en route to claiming the trophy.
This will be Real Madrid’s second Copa del Rey final appearance in three seasons, showcasing their dominance in crucial knockout matches. Despite the challenges throughout the season, the final presents an opportunity for Carlo Ancelotti’s team to earn silverware and salvage their campaign.
WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will host Valencia on Thursday at the Santiago Bernabéu in La Liga, a critical match as they continue their fight for a strong league finish. Currently facing injury challenges to key players like Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão, the team will look to build on the momentum from their Copa del Rey triumph to stay competitive on all fronts.
Real Madrid sit 3 points ahead of Atletico de Madrid and 3 points behind Barcelona in La Liga with 9 matches left to play. They will also play the 1st leg of the Champions League Quarter-finals against Arsenal in the middle of next week.
