Real Madrid booked their place in the Copa Del Rey final for the second time in eleven years as they drew a thrilling semi-final second leg 4-4 draw with Real Sociedad after extra-time, progressing 5-4 on aggregate thanks to their previous 1-0 victory in San Sebastian.
Despite their European success in recent years, this was only Real’s second domestic cup semi-final in the past 11 years.
Defending a one-goal lead from the first leg, the hosts found themselves behind around the quarter-hour mark when Ander Barrenetxea slotted through Andriy Lunin’s legs following Pablo Marin’s through ball.
That opener came somewhat against the run of play, with Endrick twice going close for Real at the other end – including a speculative overhead kick – while Vinicius Junior saw an effort saved by Alex Remiro.
The hosts, though, eventually had their equaliser in the 30th minute, when the two aforementioned Brazilians linked up in style.
Vinicius’ stunning pass with the outside of his boot released Endrick, who delicately lofted over Remiro.
After the interval, Carlo Ancelotti’s side looked to add to their lead, although clear-cut opportunities were rare. Spectators had to wait until the 60th minute for the next shot on target, when Jude Bellingham stung Remiro’s palms from distance.
Nevertheless, it was instead Sociedad who took the lead, albeit courtesy of a huge slice of fortune.
Dogged work from Marin got him to the byline and he fired a low cross into the box more out of hope than expectation, but it found the heel of David Alaba, who could do nothing as the ball trickled between Lunin’s legs and into the back of the net.
Remarkably, Los Txuri-urdin were soon in front on aggregate, and again, Lady Luck was on their side.
Again, Alaba had his head in his hands as Mikel Oyarzabal’s drive hit him before striking the post and nestling in the back of the net.
Madrid, though, do not know when they are beaten, and they reduced the deficit within seconds when Bellingham side-footed into the net from the middle of the penalty area following some brilliant wing play from Vinicius.
Before long, Los Blancos were back in control and moved ahead once more in the tie, with Aurelien Tchouameni heading home, although Remiro will feel he should have done better.
With seven minutes of injury time added, the game appeared set up for another twist, and it didn’t disappoint.
A free-kick was perfectly delivered by substitute Sergio Gomez, allowing Oyarzabal to head beyond Lunin and send the encounter into extra-time, although only after Remiro had denied Bellingham.
At the start of the additional 30 minutes, the home team exerted the initial pressure, but Remiro was not forced into action.
Just as it seemed the game was meandering towards a penalty shoot-out, Real struck the killer blow to their opponents. Antonio Rudiger was the goalscorer, heading home from a corner with five minutes remaining.
Unlike previously, Sociedad were unable to find a response as they exited the competition at this stage for the second time in as many years.
They will now turn their attention to the race for a European spot via LaLiga, while Real will watch Wednesday’s other semi-final second leg between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona to see who they play in the showpiece.