Real Madrid are in another Copa del Rey final after yet another death and resurrection. In another difficult game for Ancelotti’s side, they managed to overcome the 1-3 lead of Real Sociedad, who took the lead around the 80th minute of the game. Then came another goal from Oyarzabal, just when Madrid were looking like they were going to make it to the final; and another extra time in the Copa del Rey. In the midst of total madness, Antonio Rudiger appeared. A header from the German, from a cross from Rudiger, sealed the match towards the end of the second half of extra time.
But Real Madrid should not be happy. Real Sociedad, who had scored 27 goals in 29 league games, managed to put four past Ancelotti’s team in their own stadium. The team’s play was almost as usual: no rhythm on the ball, no defensive order and no incisiveness in attack. Ancelotti resorted to the usual: balls to Vinicius and Deus nos abençoe. And so it was. Because, after Endrick’s good minutes, the usual Vini emerged to destroy Real, achieve the comeback and sneak into the final. Ancelotti analyzed the game as follows:
Sensations of the match: “It was entertaining, with lots of goals. We achieved our objective. We’re in the final and we’ll keep going. We don’t have to think too much. Good things, lots of mistakes, but we did what we had to do.
Physical condition of the team: ”We’re pretty good. We did well in extra time; we brought on fresh legs in extra time. The starting players held out well and were spectacular. With more energy than Real in extra time”.
Out of the final? ‘I’ve never seen myself out. Anything can happen at the Bernabéu, especially in these kinds of games, when we have to come back. The fans are supportive, it’s a heated atmosphere that helps us a lot. We never give up, especially at home’.
Penalty on Bellingham by Remiro and red card on Vinicius: “In my opinion it should have been a red card but it’s the referee’s decision. Nothing more”.
Warning to Vinicius: “Yes, I spoke to him in the middle of the game and he brought out the best in Vinicius. He played a spectacular game showing all his quality”.
From 1-1 to 1-3: “It’s a bit of bad luck. Alaba touched the ball twice with bad luck but he was playing well. We weren’t good at defending set pieces but then we scored two goals from set pieces. We’re in the final and now we have to think about the next game”.
Endrick’s substitution: “He played very well, that’s what we ask of him, to be ready. He did a fantastic run and a fantastic goal. He is a very effective player, he rarely touches the ball. He hasn’t played much but he has shown his quality”.
What did you like and dislike about the game?: ‘Conceding 4 goals is not good, but scoring 4 is. They are a team with little balance but they are very effective up front’.