Real Madrid once again took their fans on an emotional rollercoaster after a crazy second-leg semi-final in the Copa del Rey.
The “Madness” of the Kings of Europe
Real Madrid experienced every possible emotion in their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad. All the elements of a “crazy match” were present in this battle at the Bernabéu: a 4-4 draw after 120 minutes (with no goals from penalties), substitutes making a huge impact (Arda Güler provided an assist, Antonio Rüdiger scored the equalizer in the 115th minute).
Another “Insane” Match for Real
In reality, Real Madrid could have secured a place in the final much more easily instead of squandering their 1-0 first-leg advantage. However, in just a few weeks, they have played two 120-minute matches, along with the Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Atlético Madrid (which ended 2-2 on aggregate before Real won 4-2 on penalties).
Clearly, the players’ physical and mental endurance has been severely tested, especially with injuries piling up.
Nevertheless, fans are all too familiar with Real Madrid’s ability to produce “crazy matches,” particularly in the Champions League. In the 2024/25 season alone, they staged a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Manchester City in the play-off round after trailing 0-2 and delivered two intense Round of 16 matches against Atlético Madrid.
The striking difference is that such dramatic encounters rarely occur in the Copa del Rey, except against Barcelona or Atlético. In fact, their recent victory over Sociedad felt like a Champions League match.
Chasing the Treble: Copa del Rey is as Important as the Champions League
Historically, Real Madrid has not prioritized the Copa del Rey. However, in recent seasons, the club has started to shift its perception of the tournament, reaching the final three times in the last six years. Real Madrid always strives for perfection and aims to assert its dominance in every competition, big or small. Winning the Copa del Rey would further cement their winning identity.
The Copa del Rey is Crucial for Real
Of course, their ambition extends beyond the Copa del Rey—they are aiming for a historic treble. Despite being the greatest European club of the 20th century, Real Madrid has never won a treble. This is a gap in their legacy compared to Manchester United (1998/99), Inter Milan (2009/10), Manchester City (2022/23), Bayern Munich (2012/13, 2019/20), and especially their arch-rivals Barcelona (2008/09, 2014/15).
With 36 La Liga titles (the most in history) and 15 Champions League trophies, Real Madrid now recognizes the need to complete their legacy by securing a treble.
This season, they have everything in place to dream big. They are in the Copa del Rey final, fiercely competing for the La Liga title (currently second place), and have reached the Champions League quarter-finals. Most importantly, despite early concerns about having an overcrowded squad, their depth has proven to be a key strength in handling a packed schedule and an injury crisis.
Real Madrid has brought the same spirit and madness from the Champions League to the Copa del Rey. If they maintain this intensity until the end of the season, the treble may no longer be just a dream—it could become reality.
