Real Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey final after a heart-stopping 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad on Tuesday, securing a 5-4 aggregate victory in extra time.
Antonio Rüdiger sealed the dramatic win with a towering header in the 115th minute, setting up a mouthwatering final clash against either Barcelona or Atlético Madrid.
Real Sociedad, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, came out firing as Ander Barrenetxea put them ahead early. But Madrid’s rising star Endrick responded in style, producing a sensational chip to level the game.
The night, however, was far from settled. A David Alaba own goal and Mikel Oyarzabal’s deflected strike gave Sociedad a 3-1 lead, sending shockwaves through the Santiago Bernabéu. But Madrid, as they always do, fought back.
Jude Bellingham smashed in a crucial goal, and Aurélien Tchouaméni’s header—fumbled by Alex Remiro—brought the score to 3-3. Just when it seemed like the game was over, Oyarzabal struck again in stoppage time to force extra time.
The final twist came in the dying moments when Rüdiger rose highest to nod home Arda Güler’s corner, crushing Sociedad’s hopes and sending Madrid into the final.
With Barcelona and Atlético Madrid still to battle it out on Wednesday after their own thrilling 4-4 first leg, Madrid now awaits their next challenger in what promises to be an unforgettable Copa del Rey showdown.
