Real Madrid has secured their spot in the 2025 Copa del Rey final after a heart-stopping 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu, clinching a 5-4 victory on aggregate in extra time. The match, which unfolded on April 1, 2025, showcased the kind of drama that keeps football fans on the edge of their seats.
Real Sociedad struck first through Pablo Marín in the 16th minute, followed by goals from Takefusa Kubo (80th) and Sergio Gómez (90+3′), giving them a 3-2 lead on the night and tying the aggregate score. Just when it seemed Sociedad might pull off an upset, Aurélien Tchouaméni thought he had sealed it for Madrid with a header in the 86th minute—only for Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal to force extra time with a towering header in added time. But Antonio Rüdiger emerged as the hero, heading in the winner during extra time to send Madrid through.
The match wasn’t without controversy. A late yellow card to Sociedad’s Jon Olasagasti for a harsh tackle on Vinícius Jr. had the Real Madrid bench fuming, with the winger lucky to avoid serious injury. Despite Sociedad’s four goals, their expected goals (xG) sat at a modest 0.98, highlighting Madrid’s defensive resilience under pressure.
This victory keeps Real Madrid’s treble dreams alive. They’re currently three points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, set to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, and now one step closer to a record-extending 21st Copa del Rey title. The final opponent will be decided tonight, April 2, 2025, as Barcelona take on Atlético Madrid in the other semi-final. Madrid fans will be glued to their screens to see who their team will face in the quest for silverware.
