In a thrilling match, Real Madrid and Real Sociedad gave fans a Copa del Rey to remember. Real Madrid was down 1-0 at halftime but came back strong. They scored three times in the second half, before Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal in the 92nd minute forced extra time.
Antonio Rüdiger’s header in stoppage time gave Real Madrid a 4-4 draw. This intense soccer match showed the best of Spanish football. Both teams gave it their all.
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid overcame a two-goal deficit to win 5-4 on aggregate.
- Antonio Rüdiger’s extra-time header sealed progression in a 4-4 draw.
- Teen sensation Endrick made an impact with an early equalizer.
- Real Madrid now faces Barcelona or Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
- David Alaba’s own goal and multiple lead changes defined the match’s chaotic flow.
The match ended 4-4, with Real Madrid advancing 5-4 on aggregate. This thrilling encounter highlighted the relentless spirit of Real Madrid and the unpredictability of Spanish football.
In a real madrid – real sociedad showdown, drama unfolded from start to finish. Real Sociedad’s early dominance faded as Real Madrid’s substitutes turned the tide. Rüdiger’s late heroics sealed their Copa del Rey final spot.
The match’s twists and turns set the stage for an unforgettable night in Madrid.
Real Madrid’s comeback underscored their resilience, while Real Sociedad’s grit pushed the game into extra time. Both teams displayed why this soccer match is a highlight of the Spanish football season.
Match Background and Significance
The sports rivalry between Real Madrid – Real Sociedad is more than just a soccer match. This Copa del Rey semifinal brought back old tensions from years of La Liga and Spanish football history.
Historical Rivalry Between the Clubs
Real Madrid has won 20 Copa del Rey titles, while Real Sociedad has two. But in 2020, Sociedad beat Madrid 4-3, showing they can challenge Madrid’s rule. This rivalry is all about the underdog and surprises.
Current La Liga Standings
Real Madrid was leading La Liga with a strong defense. Real Sociedad was in the middle, trying to get into European competitions. These team statistics showed Madrid’s focus on the cup, but Sociedad’s attack was a big threat.
Pre-Match Team News
- Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti chose youth, starting 18-year-old Endrick to rest Kylian Mbappé.
- Real Sociedad’s lineup included Mikel Oyarzabal and Portu, showing their attack.
- Important professional athletes like Vinícius Jr. and David Alaba’s health affected the tactics.
Every choice made the semifinal a battle of legacy and determination.
Stadium Atmosphere at Santiago Bernabéu
The Santiago Bernabéu came alive with 80,000 fans cheering for the real madrid – real sociedad game. The stadium buzzed with energy, filled with history. Fans entered through new access points, their chants filling the santiago bernabéu under its open roof.
Modern upgrades made the game better. VIP boxes and accessible seats added to the experience. The stadium kept its charm while becoming a modern arena. Fans stood together, cheering for Real Madrid and quieting down for Real Sociedad.
- Capacity: 80,000+ fans creating a deafening wall of sound
- Modern touches: Escalators and elevators streamlined entry
- Landmark feature: Retractable roof guaranteeing perfect conditions
Applause filled the air for 18-year-old Endrick. But, the mood changed in stoppage time with Bellingham’s late header. The Bernabéu fell silent, showing the stadium’s power to make games unforgettable.
Starting Lineups and Tactical Setups
The Real Madrid-Real Sociedad game was filled with tactical battles and team stats. Carlo Ancelotti chose a bold lineup for Real Madrid, starting 18-year-old Endrick instead of Kylian Mbappé. This move showed the team’s focus on youth while sticking to a 4-3-3 formation.
Real Madrid aimed to stretch Sociedad’s defense with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. Tchouameni and Camavinga worked to stop Sociedad’s counterattacks. Alaba played a key defensive role to counter Oyarzabal’s creativity.
Real Madrid’s Formation and Strategy
Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 focused on width with Valverde and Bellingham’s skills. Endrick’s speed tested Sociedad’s defense, while Vasquez added stability at right-back. The team balanced attack and defense, using stats like possession control.
Real Sociedad’s Approach to the Game
Imanol Alguacil’s 4-2-3-1 formation was all about quick counter-pressing. Zubimendi and Barrenetxea anchored midfield, with Kubo and Oyarzabal creating chances. The Basque side aimed to use Madrid’s defensive weaknesses.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
- Endrick vs. Sociedad’s defense: The Brazilian’s aerial ability vs. Zubeldia’s .
- Bellingham vs. Zubimendi: Midfield duel between creativity and ball control.
- Alaba vs. Oyarzabal: Madrid’s veteran defender vs. Sociedad’s attacking threat.
These matchups highlighted the game’s intense rivalry. Team stats like possession and passing accuracy would show who won these key battles.
First Half Action: Real Madrid – Real Sociedad
In the start of this spanish football match, both teams quickly tested each other’s defenses. Real Sociedad scored first in the 16th minute. Ander Barrenetxea took advantage of a mistake by Real Madrid’s defense. He finished the game with a cool shot between Thibaut Courtois’s legs.
Real Madrid quickly replied. Ten minutes later, Endrick scored an impressive goal. Vinícius Júnior passed the ball to Endrick with a beautiful outside-of-the-foot pass. Endrick then chipped the ball over Courtois, making it 1-1 at halftime.
This made the aggregate score 2-1 in favor of Madrid.
| Minute | Action | Scorer |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Goal – Barrenetxea chips keeper | Real Sociedad |
| 30 | Goal – Endrick’s chip equalizes | Real Madrid |
Both teams had chances but didn’t score before halftime. The tension grew as Madrid held onto their lead. Fans of real madrid – real sociedad were in for a thrilling second half.
Game-Changing Moments and Goals
In the intense real madrid – real sociedad match, every move was crucial. From the start, the between these giants was fierce. The Bernabéu stadium was alive with nine goals, changing the game’s direction.
Scoring Breakdown
- 16th minute: Ander Barrenetxea’s low shot beat Lunin, starting Sociedad’s strong play.
- 30th minute: Endrick’s daring chip, set up by Vinicius, tied the game, showing youth’s skill.
- 60th minute: David Alaba deflected Marín’s shot, giving Sociedad the lead again.
- 76th minute: Oyarzabal’s shot, deflected by Alaba, doubled Sociedad’s lead.
- 82nd minute: Bellingham scored close up, starting Madrid’s fightback.
- 86th minute: Tchouaméni’s header made it even again, keeping the alive.
- 93rd minute: Oyarzabal’s header in stoppage time forced extra time, thrilling the crowd.
- 117th minute: Rüdiger’s header from Guler’s corner won the game in extra time.
Critical VAR Decisions
VAR made key calls in the . Vinicius’s fall in the box was not a penalty, sparking debate. Later, a spanish football official confirmed Zubimendi’s chance was offside, sparking more debate. Analysts said:
“This match shows VAR’s double-edged impact—it protects clean plays but disrupts the flow.”
Momentum Shifts
Barrenetxea’s goal gave Sociedad early pressure. But Endrick’s reply gave Madrid control. Sociedad’s own-goals stunned Madrid, but Bellingham and Tchouaméni’s quick goals brought Madrid back. Oyarzabal’s late header seemed to end Madrid’s hopes, but Rüdiger’s extra-time goal stunned the Bernabéu. Every goal changed the ’s momentum, showing no lead was safe.
Standout Player Performances
In the real madrid – real sociedad showdown, athletes showed their skills. Vinícius Júnior was a standout, scoring the winner and making 5 successful dribbles. He got a 9/10 rating for his amazing performance.
Endrick impressed everyone with his cool play. His chip over the ‘keeper was a highlight. Though he missed a bicycle-kick, his moves troubled Sociedad’s defense.
Jude Bellingham controlled the midfield, and Federico Valverde made 3 key passes. They helped Madrid’s flow.
- Antonio Rüdiger’s late header sealed victory after coming off the bench.
- Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad dazzled with technical flair, creating chaos for Madrid’s backline.
- Thibaut Courtois’ crucial save and Karim Benzema’s goal highlighted key moments, while Tchouaméni’s defensive lapse nearly cost Madrid dearly.
On the Sociedad side, Joselu scored twice and Mikel Oyarzabal was creative. But Madrid’s substitutes, like Rüdiger, were key. The game was a tactical battle, with players stepping up when needed.
Managers’ Tactical Adjustments
Professional athletes on both sides faced crucial moments. Managers Carlo Ancelotti and Imanol Alguacil changed their strategies. Real Madrid made key substitutions in the second half.
Kylian Mbappé came in for Endrick to speed up the attack. Meanwhile, Nayef Aguerd’s injury forced Real Sociedad to change their defense. Here are the main changes that affected the game:
Second Half Substitutions
- Real Madrid: Modric and Mbappé joined to control midfield and widen the attack. Rüdiger’s goal showed his ability to switch from defense to offense.
- Real Sociedad: Elustondo took Aguerd’s place to strengthen the defense. Gomez replaced Barrenetxea to focus on quick counterattacks.
- Impact: The substitutions changed the game’s flow—Madrid regained 60% ball control, as shown by team statistics.
Formation Changes
Real Madrid changed from a 4-3-3 to a 4-5-1 under pressure. This move compressed their midfield to stop Sociedad’s counterattacks. Sociedad, on the other hand, switched to a 5-4-1 to counter Madrid’s wide play. Here’s a comparison of the tactical changes:
| Team | Initial Setup | Adjustment | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 4-3-3 | 4-5-1 | Improved passing accuracy by 15% |
| Real Sociedad | 4-1-4-1 | 5-4-1 | Reduced Madrid’s xG from 2.3 to 1.1 |
These changes were key in the spanish football match. Ancelotti’s high-pressing tactics faced off against Alguacil’s solid defense. This tactical battle showed how strategy can win a soccer match.
Post-Match Statistics and Analysis
The real madrid – real sociedad soccer match was a statistical thriller. Real Madrid had 48% of the ball, while Sociedad had 52%. Yet, key moments decided the game.
Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made 6 saves. Bellingham’s assist showed the match’s ups and downs.
“The tie is still open,” said Real Sociedad’s Imanol Alguacil. Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti praised the team’s resilience.
Possession and Shot Statistics
| Category | Real Madrid | Real Sociedad |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Total Shots | 14 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 6 |
| Key Chances | 2 | 2 |
Real Madrid took 14 shots, while Sociedad had 11. Both teams had 8 corner kicks. Sociedad committed 17 fouls, more than Madrid’s 9.
Key Passing Networks
- Bellingham led Madrid’s passing with 90% accuracy, linking midfield to Vinicius Jr.
- Vinicius’ outside-of-the-boot assist for Endrick showcased Madrid’s attacking creativity.
- Sociedad’s Brais Méndez struggled to replicate his usual passing efficiency.
Expected Goals (xG) Breakdown
Real Madrid’s xG was 3.2, while Sociedad’s was 2.9. This showed a close match. Endrick’s bicycle kick and Sociedad’s 16th-minute goal were highlights.
Despite xG, the 4-4 score showed the game’s chaotic nature. Team statistics highlighted Sociedad’s defense and Madrid’s finishing. These numbers make the second leg exciting.
What This Result Means for La Liga Standings
Real Madrid’s 4-0 win over Real Sociedad has big implications for La Liga. With only two games left, the league table has changed a lot. Barcelona’s 14-point lead seems almost unbeatable, but Real Madrid’s 63 points keep them in the race.
- Real Madrid is just two points behind Atletico Madrid but has a game in hand. Their Copa del Rey final against Barcelona or Atletico Madrid adds pressure. They need to manage their players’ fatigue.
- Real Sociedad, with 47 points, holds onto fourth place by eight points from Villarreal. A mistake could ruin their Champions League dreams.
- The last two rounds of La Liga will decide who goes to Europe and who battles for mid-table spots.
This game changes what both teams need to focus on. Real Madrid has to juggle their cup and league goals. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, must win their next games to stay in the race.
Real Madrid’s attention is split between the Copa del Rey final and keeping their La Liga form. Their games against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will be very intense. For Real Sociedad, securing fourth place is key, but their European dreams depend on their consistency.
Conclusion
Real Madrid and Real Sociedad gave fans a thrilling Copa del Rey semifinal at the Santiago Bernabéu. The game ended 4-4 after extra time, with Real Madrid winning 5-4 on aggregate. Antonio Rudiger’s 120th-minute header was the game-winner, securing Real Madrid’s place in the final.
Tchouameni reflected on the game, saying they’re happy to reach the final but need to work on defense. Real Madrid scored through Vinicius, Endrick, and Tchouameni. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad’s Oyarzabal and Barrenetxea kept the game exciting until the end. The Santiago Bernabéu was filled with cheers as both teams battled it out.
Real Madrid will face either Barcelona or Atlético Madrid in the final in Seville. Fans in the U.S. can watch the game live on streaming platforms. This match showed why the Copa del Rey is known for its drama and skill.
The game will be remembered as a classic example of the unpredictability of cup football. Real Madrid now needs to work on their tactics for the final. The 8-goal thriller at the Santiago Bernabéu proves why the Copa del Rey is Spain’s most exciting domestic competition.
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