Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, with young talent Endrick stepping up in Kylian Mbappé's absence. Mbappé, who was sidelined due to a dental procedure, has been a key player for Madrid with six goals in his last five matches.
Endrick, an 18-year-old forward from Brazil, made a significant impact by scoring a first-half goal off a breakaway opportunity created by Jude Bellingham's precise pass. Madrid's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, praised Endrick's performance, highlighting his contribution on both ends of the field.
In the other semifinal match, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg. The return matches for both semifinals are scheduled for April.
Ancelotti opted to rest key players like Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde, giving Andriy Lunin a chance to shine in goal. Lunin played a crucial role in preserving Madrid's lead and securing the advantage heading into the second leg.
Real Madrid, the reigning Copa del Rey champions from 2023, are aiming to add another title to their collection. Last season, they were eliminated by Atletico in the round of 16. On the other hand, Real Sociedad, the 2020 Copa winners, are looking to make a strong comeback after reaching the semifinals for the first time since their title triumph.
The Copa del Rey knockout rounds have transitioned from single-elimination games to a two-leg format this season. The final is set to take place in Seville on April 26, promising an exciting conclusion to the prestigious tournament.
Real Madrid's victory over Real Sociedad marks a significant step towards their Copa del Rey aspirations, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad and the resilience to overcome challenges in pursuit of silverware.
