Rudiger’s Extra-Time Header Sends Real Madrid to Copa del Rey Final After 4-4 Thriller

In a match packed with drama, goals, and relentless action, Real Madrid secured their place in the Copa del Rey final with a nail-biting 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad after extra time, sealing a 5-4 aggregate win on Tuesday night at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Antonio Rudiger was the hero of the night, nodding home the decisive goal in the 115th minute from Arda Guler’s corner to finally break Real Sociedad’s resistance and punch Madrid’s ticket to the final. Los Blancos will face either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid, who are deadlocked at 4-4 ahead of their semifinal second leg on Wednesday.

Real Sociedad, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, came out determined. Ander Barrenetxea got the visitors on the board early, sprinting past Lucas Vazquez to slam in Pablo Marin’s flick-on and level the tie. But Madrid responded with flair, as 18-year-old Endrick, preferred ahead of a resting Kylian Mbappe, produced a delightful chip over Alex Remiro to restore Madrid’s edge.

Despite Madrid’s attacking intent, La Real refused to back down. A David Alaba own goal and a deflected Mikel Oyarzabal effort turned the tie in Sociedad’s favor. Yet, as has so often been the case, Madrid found another gear when needed. Vinicius Junior dazzled on the wing before setting up Jude Bellingham to equalize on the night with eight minutes to go.

Then, in the 86th minute, Aurelien Tchouameni’s header was mishandled by Remiro, leveling the aggregate score again at 4-4. Still, the game had one more twist in regulation. Oyarzabal bagged his second with a powerful header in stoppage time to send the clash into extra time.

Real Sociedad’s resilience shone, with Takefusa Kubo and Martin Zubimendi threatening, but Madrid had the final word. A late foul on Vinicius signaled their growing pressure, and with penalties looming, Rudiger rose highest from a corner to score the goal that broke Basque hearts and sent the Bernabéu into raptures.

“It was a fight to the finish. This team never gives up,” said Rudiger post-match. “To be in the final after such a battle is special.”

Carlo Ancelotti’s gamble to rotate his lineup, starting Endrick and giving Mbappe a rest, paid off handsomely. Now, Madrid awaits the winner of Wednesday’s clash to determine who stands between them and Copa glory.