Madrid, Spain – On April 1, 2025, Real Madrid claimed a place in the Copa del Rey final after a thrilling match against Real Sociedad that ended in a 4-4 draw and saw the hosts win 5-4 on aggregate. The game was marked by controversy, especially surrounding Aurelien Tchouameni‘s goal, which many claimed stemmed from an incorrect corner kick decision.
The match began intensely, with Real Madrid looking to defend a slim lead from the first leg. Early on, Kylian Mbappé appeared offside in a situation that led to a corner, which ultimately resulted in Tchouameni’s header goal in the dying minutes of the game. “It’s frustrating. We felt there was a clear offside before the corner,” said Mikel Oyarzabal, captain of Real Sociedad. “This is football, but decisions like that have a huge impact.”
Real Sociedad responded fiercely, showcasing their determination to overturn the deficit when Oyarzabal himself equalized in the dying moments of regular time, sending the match into extra time. The intensity escalated as both teams fought for control. Antonio Rüdiger emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 115th minute, securing Real Madrid’s place in their 40th Copa del Rey final.
“I’m so happy. The game was incredibly tough, but it’s a great feeling to win,” Rüdiger told Realmadrid TV. He credited his successful goal to a well-placed corner and solid teamwork. “Good ball from Arda, and I just had to finish it off,” he added.
Despite the heartbreak, Oyarzabal remained positive about his team’s performance. “We gave it our all, and we need to focus on our league campaign now,” he noted. “We’ve built a strong team over the years, and there will be more opportunities.”
The match continued to captivate throughout extra time, with the home crowd rallying their team as they sought another two goals to secure the lead. The semi-final clash highlighted the resilience of both sides, with Real Sociedad showing that they are a formidable force.
As the game concluded, Real Madrid celebrated reaching yet another final, while Real Sociedad left the pitch with heads held high, vowing to learn from this experience and push forward in their league campaign.
