Real Madrid edged into the Copa del Rey final with a thrilling 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad after extra time on Tuesday night, securing a 5-4 aggregate semi-final victory.
Antonio Rudiger decided the pulsating tie with a header in the 115th minute, with Madrid to face Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the final.
Real Sociedad, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, took the lead through Ander Barrenetxea, but Endrick’s fine chip pulled the 20-time winners level.
A David Alaba own goal and Mikel Oyarzabal’s deflected effort helped Sociedad open up a lead on the Spanish champions but Madrid battled back with goals from Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Oyarzabal grabbed his second in stoppage time to force extra-time but his side could not hold off Madrid until penalties, with Rudiger’s header the final word.
Rudiger said: I’m very happy because it was a really hard game with many comebacks and in the end my goal.
“For me, the goal was easy. I made a good movement, the corner was very good and because of that we’re in the final.
“It’s a hard season but we’re in another final and we will win it.”
On Wednesday, Atletico Madrid host Barcelona in the second leg of the other semi-final, with the teams level at 4-4 on aggregate.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
