Real Madrid’s treble ambitions remain alive after a dramatic 5-4 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, capped by Antonio Rudiger’s clutch 115th-minute header.
The towering defender’s moment of brilliance sent the Santiago Bernabéu into raptures as Los Blancos secured their place in the final.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Sociedad struck first through Ander Barrenetxea’s composed finish in the 16th minute, briefly dampening the Madrid faithful’s spirits.
However, the match quickly evolved into a pulsating affair as both teams traded blows in a breathtaking second half.
Teenage sensation Endrick began Madrid’s response with a deft chip in the 30th minute, leveling the aggregate scoreline. The drama escalated after the break, with David Alaba’s unfortunate own goal putting Sociedad back in front in the 72nd minute.
Sociedad’s captain, Mikel Oyarzabal, made it 3-1 soon after, but Madrid displayed their renowned resilience.
England international Jude Bellingham volleyed home a spectacular equalizer, and Aurelien Tchouameni thought he’d sealed Madrid’s place in the final with an 86th-minute header, only for Oyarzabal to nod Sociedad level in stoppage time.
The intensity carried into extra time, but it was Rudiger who provided the definitive moment, rising high to meet Arda Guler’s precise corner and guiding his header past a helpless Alex Remiro.
“These moments are what define great teams,” said Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. “We never stop fighting.”
The victory preserves Madrid’s hopes of a historic treble. Currently three points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and set to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, the Copa del Rey represents a vital piece of their silverware ambitions.
The final’s lineup will be complete when Barcelona and Atletico Madrid clash to decide the other finalist in a hotly contested tie.
