Real Madrid secure advantage in Copa del Rey semifinal

Real Madrid have taken a significant step towards reaching the Copa del Rey final, securing a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their semifinal tie. The victory, courtesy of Endrick’s first-half strike, ended Sociedad’s five-match winning run on home soil and gives Madrid a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg.

The match got off to a slow start for Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti resting several key players, including Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, and Kylian Mbappé. However, Sociedad were unable to capitalize on Madrid’s sluggish start, and it was the visitors who eventually broke the deadlock. Endrick’s goal, his fourth in the Copa del Rey this season, was a trademark Madrid counter-attack, with Jude Bellingham’s pinpoint long ball setting up the Brazilian youngster for a clinical finish.

Despite going behind, Sociedad pushed hard for an equalizer, with Andriy Lunin making several key saves to deny the hosts. The Ukrainian goalkeeper was equal to efforts from Brais Méndez and Mikel Oyarzabal, while Ander Barrenetxea also drew a brilliant save from Lunin before the break.

The second half saw chances at both ends, with Oyarzabal’s close-range header smothered by Lunin, while Endrick rifled an effort against the Sociedad crossbar. However, as the match wore on, Sociedad’s attacking threat began to wane, and Madrid looked increasingly comfortable.

The hosts were indebted to a fine reflex save from Alex Remiro for keeping their deficit at one in the final 10 minutes, as the goalkeeper brilliantly adjusted to keep out Bellingham’s shot, which had taken a wicked deflection.

The win extends Madrid’s unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions, and they will now be confident of progressing to the Copa del Rey final. Sociedad, meanwhile, face a tough task in turning the tie around in the second leg at the Bernabéu.

Madrid’s victory sets up an intriguing second leg, with Sociedad needing to repeat their 2019/20 heroics when they beat Madrid 4-3 at the Bernabéu en route to lifting the trophy.