Real Madrid kept their Treble ambitions alive in dramatic fashion
Associate Editor
1 MIN READ
Antonio Rudiger was the hero for Real Madrid on Tuesday
Antonio Rudiger was the hero for Real Madrid on Tuesday
AFP
Real Madrid kept their Treble ambitions alive in dramatic fashion, securing a place in the Copa del Rey final with a last-gasp winner from Antonio Rudiger against Real Sociedad.
The German defender rose highest to meet Arda Guler’s corner in the 115th minute, guiding his header past goalkeeper Alex Remiro and sending the Bernabeu into celebration.
A chaotic second half saw five goals in just over 20 minutes as both sides battled for a spot in the final in Seville.
Real Sociedad, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, struck first in the 16th minute through Ander Barrenetxea. However, teenage sensation Endrick responded for Madrid with a composed chip in the 30th minute to level the score on the night and restore their aggregate advantage.
The visitors regained the lead when David Alaba inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 72nd minute, sparking a flurry of late drama. Mikel Oyarzabal extended Sociedad’s advantage shortly after, but Jude Bellingham quickly equalized with a well-taken volley.
Aurelien Tchouameni appeared to have won it for Madrid in the 86th minute after a misjudged save attempt from Remiro, yet Sociedad refused to relent. Oyarzabal struck again deep into stoppage time, forcing extra time with a powerful header.
Ultimately, it was Rudiger who delivered the decisive moment, sealing a 5-4 aggregate victory and keeping Madrid’s Treble hopes alive.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side remains in contention for silverware on multiple fronts - they sit three points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday will decide Madrid’s opponent in the final, with their semi-final delicately balanced following a thrilling 4-4 first-leg draw.
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