The Reale Arena was set for one of the biggest nights of the season. San Sebastián was ready to host the Copa del Rey semifinals, with Real Madrid visiting in search of a place in the final, where they would face either Barça or Atlético, following the spectacle they put on the previous night.
It was a match with everything at stake, and Imanol Alguacil’s side dressed for the occasion, fielding a full-strength starting XI. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti had to deal with key absences, as Mbappé, Valverde, and Courtois were unavailable. This forced the Italian coach to improvise an unusual lineup, laying the foundation for what promised to be a thrilling encounter.
Endrick Shines in a High-Intensity First Half
From the opening whistle, Real Sociedad came out strong, looking to take the lead against a Real Madrid side that struggled to settle into the game in the early minutes. In fact, Kubo had two early chances, forcing Lunin into two crucial saves within the first few minutes.
Gradually, Los Blancos, dressed in orange, began to contain the txuri-urdin’s attacking push. By gaining more possession, they managed to balance the game, preventing the hosts from dominating. Neither team had full control of the ball, and clear chances were scarce.
However, as is often the case, talent prevails when matches are evenly matched. The turning point came when Vinícius recovered the ball on the edge of Madrid’s box and quickly found Bellingham in midfield. The Englishman lifted his head and spotted Endrick making a run into space.
Bellingham’s perfectly timed pass met a brilliant first touch from Endrick, setting him up one-on-one with Remiro. Beyond his excellent control, the Brazilian finished with the outside of his weaker foot, surprising the Real Sociedad goalkeeper and giving Madrid the lead with their first real chance of the match.
Real Sociedad looked for an immediate response, which they nearly found right after Madrid’s goal. A chaotic sequence led to Oyarzabal firing a shot from the edge of the box, but Lunin once again stepped up with a brilliant save. Moments later, Madrid responded on the counter, with Bellingham setting up Vinícius, who forced another great stop from Remiro.
As the first half progressed, the game became a fast-paced battle, with both teams attacking aggressively. It seemed unlikely that the scoreline would remain unchanged before halftime. However, despite Madrid’s growing dominance, Barrene tested Lunin from distance, forcing the Ukrainian goalkeeper into yet another big save.
That was the last major action of a thrilling first half, where both teams traded blows, but Madrid landed the decisive one.
A Wide-Open Second Half Ends Without Goals
The second half started with Real Sociedad determined to equalize. Right after the restart, Oyarzabal found space at the far post, connecting with a right-footed shot that was once again denied by Lunin, who was establishing himself as Madrid’s hero of the night.
Only Endrick’s dazzling performance could rival Lunin’s impact. The Brazilian forward nearly doubled his tally, smashing a powerful right-footed shot off the crossbar, coming inches away from making it 2-0.
With less than an hour played, fatigue started to show on both sides. The game became more open, with large spaces appearing for counterattacks. Once again, the match was coming down to fine margins.
Oyarzabal had a golden chance after a mistake from Fran García, leaving him one-on-one with Lunin. However, the Basque forward hesitated, allowing Tchouaméni to recover and prevent what could have been the equalizer.
As the final minutes approached, Madrid nearly sealed the game. After an attacking sequence, the ball fell to Bellingham on the edge of the area. The Englishman fired a right-footed shot that deflected dangerously, but Remiro made a spectacular save, keeping his team alive.
With just minutes remaining, both teams gave everything they had left. But after four minutes of stoppage time, there was little energy left for either side to make a final push.
Real Madrid secured a minimal yet crucial 1-0 victory, taking a valuable advantage from Anoeta. The tie remains open, but Madrid is now just one step away from the final at La Cartuja.
Real Sociedad 0 – 1 Real Madrid
Match Details
Real Sociedad XI:
📌 Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd (Elustondo 76′), Aihen (Javi López 84′); Zubimendi, Sucic (Marin 62′), Brais Méndez; Barrene (Becker 63′), Kubo, Oyarzabal (Oskarsson 76′).
Real Madrid XI:
📌 Lunin; Asencio (Lucas 45′), Tchouaméni, Rüdiger, Fran García; Camavinga (Mendy 89′), Ceballos, Bellingham; Arda Güler (Brahim 84′); Endrick (Alaba 70′), Vinícius (Rodrygo 84′).
Goals:
⚽ Endrick (19′)
Referee:
🔹 José María Sánchez Martínez (Murcian Refereeing Committee).
🔹 VAR: Jorge Figueroa Vázquez (Andalusian Refereeing Committee).
Match Info:
📍 First leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, played at the Reale Arena.
⏰ Kickoff: 21:30h.