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Being a fan is more stressful than playing.
ByBaseline Staff
Published Apr 02, 2025
Rafael Nadal sells his stake in tennis academy for $94 million | TC Live
Tennis players, they're just like us ... especially when it comes to their favorite sports teams! Rafael Nadal went through all the emotions on Tuesday night as Real Madrid rallied from a big deficit against rival Real Sociedad and advanced to the Copa del Rey final.
The win was never assured for the home team, as Real Madrid trailed 3-1 with 10 minutes left in regulation.
Nadal and his dad, Sebastián, were appropriately stoic in the stands as the game unfolded, as the visiting side scored three unanswered goals after Real Madrid had the early lead.
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Rafael Nadal in attendance with his dad for Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad tonight!
(Both looking pretty concerned as Madrid are facing elimination...) pic.twitter.com/FzyRIB9Kaj
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) April 1, 2025
However, as manager Carlo Ancelotti said after the match, and as Nadal surely knows well: "We don't give up." Late goals from Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni made it 3-3, and then Mikel Oyarzabal's 93rd minute goal sent the semifinal into extra time.
German-born centerback Antonio Rudiger eventually scored the game-winner in the 115th minute, much to Nadal's delight. The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion leapt from his seat in the stands and celebrated with a signature fist-pump, and shout of "Vamos!"
Rafa Nadal celebrating Rüdiger’s goal.
Madridista. pic.twitter.com/1i1N0QOsPN
— TC (@totalcristiano) April 1, 2025
Real Madrid, who have won the Spanish Cup just once in the last 10 years, will play either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the final in Seville at the end of the month.
You can bet that Nadal will have a front-row seat.