Real Madrid Reaches Copa del Rey Final: Extraordinary and Crazy
Real Madrid pulled off a wild comeback to draw 4-4 with Real Sociedad (5-4 on aggregate), securing a spot in the 2024/25 Copa del Rey final thanks to their incredible determination.
1. No One More Fitting Than “El Loco” Rudiger
No one was more suited to cap off another spectacular night at the Bernabeu—where Real Madrid has built a collection of unbelievable moments—than Antonio Rudiger, nicknamed “El Loco” (The Madman) by the Spanish press.
The German defender scored a decisive header from an Arda Guler corner with just five minutes left in extra time.
This was the third time this season that Real Madrid was forced into extra time, and they advanced in all three matches. They previously defeated Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 and overcame Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16.
In their last 11 extra-time matches, Real Madrid has progressed in 10, proving their fighting spirit and resilience—except for a loss to Atletico in the 2023-24 Copa del Rey.
With this latest victory, Real Madrid has booked a spot in the Copa del Rey final, set for April 26 at La Cartuja in Seville. They now await the winner between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
“A great ball from Arda Guler, and it was very easy for me,” Rudiger said about his decisive goal. He doesn’t care who the opponent will be. “We’re in the final, and we will win.”
2. A Wild Battle With Sociedad
When Takefusa Kubo and his teammates arrived in Madrid, he spoke about wanting to cause an upset. The Japanese playmaker led the charge, and Real Sociedad came close to a historic feat in what turned into a crazy game after the 71st minute.
At that point, the score was 1-1, which was enough for Real Madrid to advance. But from the 72nd minute onward, including extra time, six more goals were scored—three for each team.
Sociedad started strong, exploiting a gap behind Lucas Vazquez. Barrenetxea broke free and easily beat Lunin to give the visitors the lead.
After taking the lead, Sociedad sat back in defense, waiting for counterattacking opportunities. Real Madrid dominated possession, with Bellingham playing a key role in driving his team forward.
Madrid had a clear attacking plan. After 30 minutes, Vinicius executed an outside-foot pass from deep in his own half, setting up Endrick, who chipped the goalkeeper to equalize at 1-1—his fifth Copa del Rey goal of the season.
In the second half, Endrick was substituted for Mbappe, receiving a standing ovation from the Bernabeu crowd. From the bench, he witnessed some incredible moments.
In the 72nd minute, Pablo Marin delivered a low cross, and David Alaba’s attempted clearance ended up in his own net. The goal was recorded as an own goal by the Austrian defender.
Alaba’s nightmare continued in the 82nd minute when a Mikel Oyarzabal shot deflected off him, wrong-footing Lunin and giving Sociedad a 3-1 lead. At that point, Sociedad was on the brink of reaching the final.
3. Real Madrid’s Never-Say-Die Spirit
Despite the setback, Real Madrid never gave up. Several stars of “Los Blancos” stepped up.
Vinicius, who had been underwhelming for much of the match, rediscovered his magic—something he had lacked at the Etihad Stadium recently.
Receiving a pass from Modric, Vinicius executed a spectacular backheel flick in midfield, dribbled down the left wing, and delivered a pinpoint cross for Bellingham to finish. The Brazilian was like a storm, relentless in his charge.
Shortly after, Vinicius found himself one-on-one with Remiro, but the Sociedad goalkeeper made a crucial save with the help of his defenders. From the resulting corner, Rodrygo delivered the cross, and Tchouameni’s header made it 3-3.
Tchouameni, once jeered by the Bernabeu crowd last summer, was now hailed as a hero.
The drama wasn’t over. In the third minute of stoppage time, Sergio Gomez whipped in a free kick from the sideline, and Lunin’s poor positioning allowed Oyarzabal to head Sociedad back in front, sending the match into extra time.
Amidst the chaos, Rudiger—substituted in for Alaba—rose above the defense to head in the decisive goal, restoring order.
“I never felt like we were eliminated because, in battles like this, anything can happen. We never give up, we never surrender,” Ancelotti declared, calling the match “entertaining.”
Now, while waiting for the final, Real Madrid will focus on their La Liga title race and their Champions League quarterfinal clash against Arsenal.
