"Rüdiger Heads Madrid Into Copa Final in Epic Comeback."

"Rüdiger Heads Madrid Into Copa Final in Epic Comeback."

            Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Real Sociedad: Antonio Rüdiger the Hero Again! Blancos into Copa del Rey Final After Bernabéu Epic as Treble Hopes Stay Alive.

Date: Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Competition: Copa del Rey – Semi-Finals (Second Leg)
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
Score: Real Madrid 4-4 Real Sociedad (AET, 5-4 on aggregate)

Key Moments:

Real Madrid Goals: Endrick (30’), Jude Bellingham (82’), Aurélien Tchouaméni (86’), Antonio Rüdiger (115’ ET)

Real Sociedad Goals: Ander Barrenetxea (16’), David Alaba OG (72’), Mikel Oyarzabal (80’, 90+3’)

Assists: Vinícius Júnior (2), Rodrygo, Arda Güler
Match Report: A Bernabéu Classic Sees Madrid Edge Through

In a match that had everything—drama, comebacks, heartbreak, and late heroics—Real Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey final after an extra-time thriller against a valiant Real Sociedad side.

Leading 1-0 from the first leg, Madrid’s hopes of a comfortable progression were shattered early when Ander Barrenetxea leveled the tie. But Endrick’s exquisite finish restored parity before chaos ensued—David Alaba’s own goal, a deflected Oyarzabal strike, and a stunning Jude Bellingham volley swung the momentum back and forth.

Just when Tchouaméni’s 86th-minute header seemed to have won it, Oyarzabal struck again in stoppage time, forcing extra time. Then, with penalties looming, Antonio Rüdiger rose highest to power home Arda Güler’s cross and send the Bernabéu into raptures.

Real Madrid Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence

Andriy Lunin (5/10) – At fault for Barrenetxea’s opener, beaten at his near post. Redeemed himself with a crucial save from Zubimendi but misjudged the cross for Sociedad’s fourth. Nervy.

Lucas Vázquez (5/10) – Caught napping for the first goal, allowing Barrenetxea a free run. Improved going forward but defensively shaky.

Raúl Asencio (4/10) – Overzealous in challenges, struggled with positioning. A tough night against La Real’s quick attackers.

Antonio Rüdiger (9/10) ⭐ – The match-winner. Dominant in the air, rock-solid defensively, and scored the decisive header. A colossal performance.

David Alaba (4/10) – A nightmare. Scored an own goal, deflected another into his net, and looked uncharacteristically vulnerable.

Eduardo Camavinga (5/10) – Beaten too easily in the buildup to Sociedad’s second and gave away the free-kick for their third. Struggled defensively.

Midfield

Aurélien Tchouaméni (6/10) – A mixed bag. Looked sluggish in midfield but scored a crucial header that seemed to be the winner.

Federico Valverde (5/10) – Unusually quiet. Lacked his usual dynamism and failed to impose himself.

Jude Bellingham (8/10) – A class apart. Scored a sublime volley, covered every blade of grass, and battled through cramp in extra time. A leader.
Attack

Rodrygo (5/10) – Mostly anonymous but delivered a perfect cross for Tchouaméni’s goal. Needs more consistency.

Endrick (7/10) – A breakout performance. Scored a delightful chipped finish and showed flashes of brilliance. His best display in a Madrid shirt so far.

Vinícius Júnior (8/10) – Relentless. Tormented Sociedad’s defence, picked up two assists, and was a constant threat.

Substitutes

Dani Carvajal (6/10) – Brought stability after coming on.

Luka Modrić (6/10) – Added composure in extra time.

Brahim Díaz (5/10) – Limited impact.

Arda Güler (7/10) – Delivered the assist for Rüdiger’s winner—a clutch contribution.

Joselu (N/A) – Not enough time to influence the game.
Key Takeaways

✅ Rüdiger the Hero Again – The German defender has become Madrid’s big-game savior, just as he was against Manchester City in the UCL.

✅ Endrick’s Coming of Age – The Brazilian teenager announced himself with a beautiful goal and growing confidence.

✅ Bellingham’s Big-Moment Mentality – Even when not at his best, he delivered when it mattered.

❌ Defensive Fragility – Alaba’s nightmare, Lunin’s errors, and Vázquez’s lapse highlight concerns at the back.

❌ Valverde & Rodrygo Below Par – Both need to step up in crucial games.
Conclusion: Madrid’s Treble Dream Lives On

This was football at its most dramatic—a rollercoaster of emotions, late twists, and ultimate glory for Madrid.

Real Sociedad deserve immense credit for their fearless display, but in the end, Madrid’s resilience and quality saw them through.

With the Copa del Rey final secured, the treble is still on.

Man of the Match: Antonio Rüdiger – The defender was a monster at the back and the match-winner when it mattered most.

Final Score: Real Madrid 4-4 Real Sociedad (AET, 5-4 on agg)
Goals: Endrick, Bellingham, Tchouaméni, Rüdiger
Assists: Vinícius Jr (2), Rodrygo, Arda Güler

On to the final! 🔥⚽ #HalaMadrid