Real Madrid secured a spot in the Copa del Rey final after a dramatic 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad in extra time, winning 5-4 on aggregate thanks to their first-leg victory. The match was filled with action, with goals from Endrick, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouameni, and Antonio Rüdiger, while David Alaba scored two unfortunate own goals and Mikel Oyarzabal netted twice for Sociedad.
Three Key Takeaways
1. Squad Rotation and Fitness Management
With injuries affecting the squad and a packed fixture list—including Champions League quarter-finals and key La Liga matches—Carlo Ancelotti opted for a rotated lineup. Key players like Thibaut Courtois, Rüdiger, and Kylian Mbappé were left out, demonstrating the need for careful workload management.
2. Andriy Lunin’s Performance in Goal
Lunin, who has been a regular in the Champions League and Copa del Rey this season, started in place of the injured Courtois. While he couldn’t prevent Sociedad’s goals, he wasn’t solely to blame. His performance keeps the debate open about whether he or Courtois should start in the final.
3. Endrick’s Impact
The young Brazilian continued his strong Copa del Rey form, scoring his fifth goal in as many matches. Despite struggling for goals in other competitions, his composure and finishing ability in cup games have been impressive.
Three Big Questions
1. Did Ancelotti Make the Right Tactical Choices?
Rotating the squad and fielding an unconventional defense—featuring midfielders as full-backs—left Madrid vulnerable. Conceding four goals at home raises concerns about defensive stability ahead of tougher matches.
2. Was Alaba Unlucky or Just Off-Form?
Returning from a long-term injury, Alaba was unfortunate to score two own goals, but his positioning and reaction times seemed off. He needs more game time to regain sharpness, but this match exposed his rustiness.
3. Can Madrid Go All the Way?
Their opponent in the final, either Atlético Madrid or Barcelona, will pose a tough challenge. Madrid has already lost to both this season, making the final a high-stakes showdown regardless of the opponent.
As the final approaches, Real Madrid must address defensive vulnerabilities while continuing to balance rotation with maintaining competitive form.
