Real Madrid’s pursuit of a historic Treble remains alive after a dramatic extra-time victory against Real Sociedad, with Antonio Rudiger scoring a last-gasp header to seal a spot in the Copa del Rey final.
In a heart-stopping encounter, substitute Rudiger rose above the defenders to meet Arda Güler’s corner in the 115th minute, flicking a header past Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations in the stands as the Spanish giants moved one step closer to securing the coveted trophy.
The match delivered incredible drama in the second half, with five goals in 21 minutes, as both teams fought for a place in the final in Seville. Having to overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, Real Sociedad struck first in the 16th minute, with Ander Barrenetxea’s goal putting them in front.
However, the young Brazilian sensation Endrick responded for Madrid, chipping in a brilliant goal in the 30th minute to level the aggregate score. The match took another twist in the 72nd minute when David Alaba’s own goal put Sociedad back ahead, but the excitement was just beginning.
Mikel Oyarzabal extended the lead for Sociedad to 3-1, and 3-2 on aggregate, with a low drive that deflected off Alaba. Madrid responded quickly, with Jude Bellingham volleying in a stunning equalizer to restore parity.
The drama continued in the 86th minute when Aurelien Tchouameni thought he had sent Madrid into the final after a mishandled attempt from Remiro, but Sociedad wasn’t done yet. In added time, Oyarzabal powered in a header to give Sociedad a brief 4-3 lead, sending the match into extra time.
It was Rudiger, though, who delivered the final blow with his extra-time header, putting Madrid ahead 5-4 on aggregate and securing their place in the Copa del Rey final.
Madrid’s hopes of a historic Treble remain intact as they continue to chase the La Liga title, sitting just three points behind Barcelona, and preparing for a Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal. The Copa del Rey final now awaits, as Barcelona faces Atletico Madrid in a thrilling semi-final tie that is also poised for an exciting conclusion after a 4-4 first-leg draw.
Player Ratings:
- Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid): 8.43
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): 8.31
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): 8.09
- Endrick (Real Madrid): 7.91
- Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid): 7.66
- Federico Valverde (Real Madrid): 7.62
- Rodrygo (Real Madrid): 7.44
- Luka Modrić (Real Madrid): 7.38
- Raúl Asencio (Real Madrid): 7.24
- Arda Güler (Real Madrid): 7.16
- Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid): 7.03
- Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid): 7.03
- Lucas Vázquez (Real Madrid): 6.76
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): 6.63
- Fran García (Real Madrid): 6.53
- Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid): 6.16
- David Alaba (Real Madrid): 5.55
With the final in sight and the Treble still on the table, Real Madrid fans have much to look forward to in what promises to be an unforgettable end to the season
