It’s advantage Real Madrid in their Copa del Rey semi-final tie against Real Sociedad. Los Blancos will return home to the Bernabeu for the deciding fixture on April 1 possessing a 1-0 lead after a hard-fought victory over their LaLiga rivals at Anoeta on Wednesday night that came without Kylian Mbappe.
Endrick notched what proved to be the only goal of the game in San Sebastian, finishing confidently low with the outside of his left boot to beat Alex Remiro after taking a lovely first touch to collect a sweeping lofted pass from the returning Jude Bellingham. There were plenty of other chances across a lively 90 minutes, with Endrick himself coming the closest to a second goal as he cannoned an effort against the crossbar in the second half.
Sociedad are by no means out of the tie just yet, but face a tall order to overturn the deficit in Madrid and tee up a final date in Seville on April 26 against either Barcelona or Atletico, who played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in their own first-leg showdown on Tuesday evening. Follow Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid live below!
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid highlights
- GOAL! Bellingham tees up Endrick for winner
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:33 , George FloodFull-time
All over at Anoeta, where Endrick’s 19th-minute strike set up nicely by the returning Jude Bellingham hands Real Madrid the advantage in this two-legged Copa del Rey semi-final tie.
Back to the Bernabeu on April 1 for the return clash.
Not an impossible task for Sociedad, but Los Blancos will obviously be massive favourites.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:31 , George Flood96 mins: It was Mendy’s challenge on Kubo there that Sociedad thought should have resulted in a last-gasp penalty.
It looked on replay like the French defender just pulled out of the tackle at the last moment.
A free-kick to Madrid is going to bring an end to proceedings, with Sociedad’s players surrounding the referee.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:29 , George Flood95 mins: Madrid are going to finish with 10 men here with Ceballos in no shape to return.
A big penalty appeal with Sociedad attacking in the dying seconds, but play is waved on.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:28 , George Flood92 mins: Ceballos is limping off in stoppage time in some discomfort after stretching very awkwardly.
The referee signals that the time will be added on.
Madrid defending with 10 men now as things stand in the final moments.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:26 , George Flood90 mins: Four minutes of added time have been signalled.
Can Sociedad strike back at the death to level the tie?
Heading to the Bernabeu for the second leg at the start of April with any sort of deficit feels like a very tall order indeed.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:2589 mins: No shortage of effort and endeavour throughout tonight from Sociedad, but the quality on the final ball has been sorely lacking for the most part.
Another promising attack fizzles out in disappointing fashion.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:24 , George Flood88 mins: Madrid try to pose a late threat inside that right channel, with Rodrygo’s corner steered wide off the head of Tchouameni.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:23 , George Flood88 mins: Ferland Mendy is coming on for the final couple of minutes for Madrid.
Fellow Frenchman Camavinga heads off.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:22 , George Flood87 mins: Openings at both ends as we tick down towards the end of the 90, with Bellingham given acres of space for a decent drive that is tipped over by Remiro.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:21 , George Flood86 mins: It’s getting a bit physical out there late on and Vazquez has his name taken for a foul.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:18 , George Flood83 mins: Panic stations inside that Sociedad six-yard box from the resulting corner, but the flag is up as Rudiger strikes.
Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo are being sent on by Ancelotti.
Vinicius Jr and Arda Guler are heading off.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:17 , George Flood82 mins: A neat flick from Tchouameni finds Bellingham, whose low drive deflects off Zubeldia before being turned around the post well by Remiro.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:15 , George Flood80 mins: A Sociedad free-kick into the box comes to nothing as we head into the final 10 minutes.
Is there a late twist to come in this first-leg tie?
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:1376 mins: Two more changes from Sociedad now, one in defence and the other up top.
Aritz Elustondo and Orri Oskarsson replace Aguerd and Oyarzabal.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:10 , George Flood74 mins: Madrid can’t threaten from another corner from the right-hand side as Sociedad easily clear their lines.
Approaching the final 15 minutes at Anoeta and Endrick’s early goal is still the difference in this Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:06 , George Flood71 mins: A bit of an uncertain clearance there from Tchouameni inside the six-yard box as he throws out a leg to meet Kubo’s cross from the byline.
David Alaba is coming on for Madrid now, replacing goalscorer Endrick.
A change in shape from Ancelotti in a bid to shore up his backline.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:0469 mins: More pressure from Sociedad approaching the final 20 minutes at Anoeta, but there are two important interventions from Tchouameni and Camavinga inside the box before Kubo fires off target.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:02 , George Flood67 mins: Too many tricks and flicks from Brais Mendez is frustrating for Sociedad, as is the lack of an effective final ball there from Oyarzabal after the captain had made his way into the Madrid box.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
22:00 , George Flood65 mins: Lunin punches away a corner after getting his hand to a low Munoz drive that looked to be heading wide.
Sociedad have sent on Sheraldo Becker and Pablo Marin in search of an equaliser.
Sucic and Barrenetxea make way.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:58 , George Flood62 mins: Vazquez - who has taken over captaincy duties from Vinicius Jr for Madrid - darts in from the right and beats his man inside the box, only to miscue an effort high and wide.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:55 , George Flood58 mins: Vinicius Jr is causing Sociedad a number of problems so far in this second half, though they are managing to block his efforts on goal.
That’s a better penalty shout as Vazquez’s cross smacks into the arm of I think Aguerd, but there’s nothing given.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:5255 mins: Kubo’s cross from the byline hits Camavinga, the hosts are claiming on the hand but there’s no penalty.
At the other end, another strike from Vinicius Jr is held by Remiro.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:4651 mins: A rocket of a left-footed effort from Endrick cannons up off the crossbar!
Madrid with a new lease of life now as Vinicius Jr’s effort is blocked behind for a corner.
A lively start to the second period in San Sebastian.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:4549 mins: Two good reaction stops in quick succession from Lunin early in this second half, first keeping out Oyarzabal’s header and then a follow-up strike from Kubo.
A couple of Madrid corners then come to nothing.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:41 , George FloodBack underway at Anoeta.
Asencio has gone off at the break, with Lucas Vazquez on for Real Madrid.
No other changes.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:40 , George FloodStill not entirely clear what happened there with those chants at the end of the first half that caused the game to be briefly held up.
Some have reported chants against Vinicius Jr, others against Raul Asencio.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:24 , George FloodHalf-time
Endrick’s 19th-minute goal teed up wonderfully by the returning Jude Bellingham separates the sides at the interval, though Sociedad have had their chances - most notably through Takefusa Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea.
A decent first half overshadowed by chants from a section of the home support that caused the game to be delayed.
We’ll bring you all the latest news on that as we get it.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:2150 mins: The game is back underway and Brais Mendez goes down under little contact inside the box.
No penalty.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:20 , George Flood49 mins: A message to home fans has flashed up on the screen.
Commentators are reporting that Vinicius Jr has been subject to abuse from the stands, but that’s unconfirmed at the moment.
Others on social media are saying there were chants aimed at Raul Asencio.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:19 , George Flood48 mins: Vinicius Jr is unhappy with something here and has told the referee, with a delay now in the game.
Not quite sure what has happened.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:16 , George Flood45 mins: Three minutes of added time signalled at the end of an enjoyable first half.
Sociedad with the chance to deliver a free-kick into the box from a dangerous area on the left flank after Barrenetxea is cut down by Asencio, who receives the first yellow card of the night.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:14 , George Flood42 mins: Madrid’s corner comes to nothing despite a sustained bout of pressure as Remiro gratefully claims.
Sociedad counter, with Barrenetxea cutting in off the left and running at Asencio before his powerful drive is tipped over by Lunin.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:12 , George Flood40 mins: Madrid are persistently attacking down the left-hand side, Vinicius Jr and Fran Garcia both trying their luck before the latter is pulled down by Aramburu as he gets to the byline.
Ceballos tries to find Asencio’s flick with a daisy-cutter to the front post, but it goes behind.
Sociedad incensed as Madrid are awarded a corner.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:08 , George Flood36 mins: That’s an important last-gasp clearance from Tchouameni inside the Madrid six-yard box as Oyarzabal looked to connect with Barrenetxea’s low ball from the byline.
Madrid can’t quite clear the subsequent corner as Oyarzabal lashes high into the stands.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:07 , George Flood34 mins: Plenty of collisions out there and appeals being waved away by the referee, Vinicius Jr going down too easy after clashing with Aramburu inside the box.
Rudiger is now receiving some treatment for Madrid.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:04 , George Flood18-year-old Brazilian sensation Endrick’s sixth goal for Real Madrid so far.
And what an assist for Bellingham...
What a ball by Jude Bellingham 🔥
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 26, 2025
Endrick with a nice touch and finish to make it 1-0 after a great pass by the midfielder 👏 pic.twitter.com/fERGIl9fPb
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:02 , George Flood30 mins: An injury scare for Real Madrid as Fran Garcia pulls up and then goes down in need of treatment.
The left-back is now back to his feet, but that’s definitely something to monitor.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
21:00 , George Flood29 mins: Another warning for Sociedad as Tchouameni heads off target from the corner after stand-in skipper Vinicius Jr is denied.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
20:59 , George Flood28 mins: Bellingham heavily involved for Madrid here, laying off for Vinicius Jr whose low effort is tipped wide by a diving Remiro.
Sociedad thought the England midfielder should have been in trouble for an alleged elbow on Aramburu.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
20:5724 mins: Vinicius Jr in the wars after a kick from Brais Mendez, who thinks little of his reaction.
Sociedad with two more chances, Munoz trying his luck before another comfortable stop from Lunin.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
20:5321 mins: Real Sociedad have responded well to going behind and Lunin beats away an effort from Brais Mendez.
GOAL! Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid | Endrick 19'
20:49 , George Flood19 mins: Real Madrid take the lead in this semi-final tie!
A lovely lofted pass from Bellingham to release Endrick, who takes a wonderful first touch off the thigh before finishing confidently low with the outside of his left boot.
Real Sociedad 0-0 Real Madrid
20:48 , George Flood16 mins: The whistling home fans are unhappy as a strong challenge ends their latest attack and tees up a dangerous Real Madrid counter that is eventually snuffed out.
It’s counter after counter as Sociedad now hurtle back forward, but no chance is fashioned.
A bit chaotic at the moment, all quite frantic with a shortage of quality.
Real Sociedad 0-0 Real Madrid
20:46 , George Flood15 mins: A couple of iffy touches at the back from Madrid with all this harmless possession inside their own half, the latest from Rudiger.
Zubimendi looks to catch out Bellingham to launch a Sociedad counter-attack in a dangerous area, but the whistle has gone for a push.
Sociedad doing such a good job of penning Los Blancos back deep inside their own half.
Real Sociedad 0-0 Real Madrid
20:44 , George Flood11 mins: Plenty of possession for Madrid at the moment but they are struggling to beat the high press from Sociedad.
Determined stuff from the hosts, who are hunting in packs and full of energy.
Real Sociedad 0-0 Real Madrid
20:398 mins: Madrid are settling into this tie now as they earn a corner on the near side that Bellingham fights to meet at the near post, but he steers a tough header wide.
Real Sociedad 0-0 Real Madrid
20:38 , George Flood6 mins: Madrid come forward and escape their own half for almost the first time tonight, but they fail to trouble Alex Remiro in the Sociedad goal.
The hosts wanted a penalty for Rudiger’s challenge on Kubo, but he went down too easily and the appeals were waved away.
Real Sociedad 0-0 Real Madrid
20:35 , George Flood4 mins: Madrid have yet to get going here as the first real chance of the night falls to ex-Los Blancos starlet Kubo, who plays a neat one-two with Brais Mendez inside the box before his low strike at the near post is parried behind by Lunin.
Lunin also has to be alert to stop the ball being squeezed in from the resulting corner.
Plenty of early pressure from Sociedad amid a crackling atmosphere.
Real Sociedad 0-0 Real Madrid
20:34 , George Flood2 mins: A bright start from the hosts as Aihen Munoz cuts inside off the left flank before drilling an effort over Lunin’s crossbar.
Ceballos now down after being caught in midfield.
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid
20:31 , George FloodHere we go in San Sebastian!
Who will come out on top in the second of this week’s Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg ties?
This game will have to go some to match the drama witnessed in the eight-goal thriller between Barcelona and Atletico last night.
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid
20:29 , George FloodThe teams are out at Anoeta!
Plenty of noise and a light show greets the players’ arrival.
The home fans are in brilliant voice.
Should be some atmosphere in store tonight.
Kick-off approaching
20:27 , George FloodFinal preparations at Anoeta!
Sociedad have won 11 of their last 13 at home across all competitions, but Real Madrid were 2-0 victors here in LaLiga back in September thanks to second-half penalties from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
How Real Sociedad can beat Real Madrid
20:22 , George FloodReal Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil was asked ahead of kick-off how his side can beat Real Madrid...
“We will have to do everything, against a team of such level you cannot always press high, sometimes they will force us to be compact and retreat,” he said.
“We also know that they are very powerful at set-pieces, they are the best at everything, they create chances against teams that retreat and against teams that press, that is why they win everything they win.
“Of course, we will have to do it very well because, if they distract you for a minute, they will kill you.”
Proud night for Vinicius Jr
20:07Real Madrid will be donning their orange away kits tonight.
A proud moment for Vinicius Jr as he takes the captain’s armband with regular skipper Luka Modric on the bench and deputy Dani Carvajal out injured.
©️ @ViniJr ©️ pic.twitter.com/r54RCe9XU1
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 26, 2025
Nayef Aguerd starts for Real Sociedad after knock
19:49West Ham loanee Nayef Aguerd retains his place in defence for Sociedad despite a knock that forced him off in the first half against Leganes.
Igor Zubeldia starts alongside him after suspension, with Aritz Elustondo dropping to the bench.
Aihen Munoz is preferred to Javi Lopez at left-back, while there are plenty of other changes from Imanol Alguacil.
Arsen Zakharyan, Pablo Marin, Sergio Gomez and Orri Oskarsson are replaced by Brais Mendez, Luka Sucic, Ander Barrenetxea and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Real Sociedad lineup
19:36Starting XI: Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Aihen, Zubimendi, Brais, Sucic, Kubo, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal
Subs: Marrero, Aritz, Oskarsson, Becker, Javi Lopez, Olasagasti, Sergio Gomez, H Traore, Turrientes, Marin, Martin
LaLiga decision on Antony likely to spark Real Madrid fury
19:23 , George FloodGiven their recent issues with referees in LaLiga, Real Madrid will no doubt be just a tad miffed to learn that Antony will be available to face them this weekend.
The much-maligned Brazilian winger has been in surprisingly superb form for Real Betis since joining on loan from Manchester United in January, but was set to be banned for Saturday’s visit of Los Blancos to Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Antony was sent off for a late lunge on Juan Iglesias during Sunday’s win over Getafe, but has since seen his red card overturned on appeal.
Madrid have been seething of late of course on the officiating front, not least because of Jude Bellingham’s controversial red card against Osasuna, which was upheld on appeal.
Bellingham was sent off for allegedly swearing at referee Jose Munuera Montero, but the England midfielder claimed he had rather been making an expression to himself.
How’s that for an arrival for the Real Sociedad team bus...
ESTO ES EL REALE ARENA 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TPcxBGXUJM
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) February 26, 2025
The atmosphere outside Anoeta tonight looks absolutely incredible.
To say the home fans are bang up for this game would be a bit of an understatement...
GOAZEN TXAPELDUN!!!!! pic.twitter.com/jvlkVSEpbk
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) February 26, 2025
Endrick and Arda Guler start as Vinicius Jr captains Real Madrid
18:51 , George FloodPlenty of changes from Carlo Ancelotti to the Real Madrid side who ended a recent domestic slump with a 2-0 home win over Girona in LaLiga on Sunday.
Andriy Lunin starts in goal as expected with Thibaut Courtois rested, with Antonio Rudiger back in the starting XI alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, who looks to have moved back to defence.
Fran Garcia also returns as David Alaba, Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy all drop to the bench.
Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham all come into midfield, while Endrick and Arda Guler both start in attack with Vinicius Jr, who wears the captain’s armband tonight.
Luka Modric and Rodrygo also drop to the bench, as does Brahim Diaz.
Real Madrid lineup
18:43 , George FloodStarting XI: Lunin, Asencio, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Fran Garcia, Camavinga, Ceballos, Bellingham, Guler, Vinicius Jr, Endrick
Subs: Gonzalez, Mestre, Alaba, Modric, Vazquez, Mendy, Brahim, Gonzalo, Rodrygo, Chema
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid prediction
18:36 , George FloodReal Madrid ran out 2-0 winners at Anoeta in LaLiga back in September, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr both netting from the penalty spot in the second half.
Mbappe’s absence is a huge blow for this game, while Sociedad have won five of their last six matches across all competitions and boast a strong home record.
However, we are backing Los Blancos to overcome the recent adversity and mini-domestic blip to produce a comfortable first-leg win that sets them up very nicely indeed for the return fixture at the Bernabeu on April 1.
Real Madrid to win, 2-0.
Real Madrid team news
18:28The headline team news from a Real Madrid perspective is Kylian Mbappe missing out after feeling bad overnight having had a tooth removed earlier this week.
Carlo Ancelotti had originally said that the in-form French superstar would be available for the game, but he was omitted from the travelling squad in the end.
Madrid - who face a tough trip to Betis in LaLiga at the weekend ahead of their Champions League last-16 first-leg tie at home to Atletico next week - are also resting Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde.
However, Jude Bellingham is available to play in the middle of his two-match LaLiga ban for swearing at a referee in the 1-1 draw with Osasuna.
Defenders Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal remain long-term absentees.
Real Sociedad team news
18:22 , George FloodPlenty of injury issues for Real Sociedad to contend with at the moment amid such an important fixture run that also includes a trip to Barcelona in LaLiga on Sunday and their Europa League last-16 tie against Manchester United, the first leg of which is at Anoeta next Thursday.
West Ham loanee Nayef Aguerd has been named in the squad despite being taken off in the first half of Sunday’s 3-0 home league win over Leganes.
Igor Zubeldia and Sheraldo Becker are both available after each being sent off against Real Betis earlier this month, though Hamari Traore, Luka Sucic and Jon Pacheco are all out injured.
Becker, Aguerd and former Real Madrid starlet Takefusa Kubo are all suspended for the weekend, but can play in the Copa del Rey.
How to watch Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid
18:13 , George FloodTV channel: In the UK, tonight’s game is being shown live on Premier Sports 2, with coverage beginning at 8:25pm GMT.
Live stream: Subscribers can also watch live online via the Premier Sports Player.
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid live
18:11 , George FloodGood evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid.
It is the second of this week’s Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg ties, with Barcelona and Atletico having played out an extraordinary 4-4 draw last night.
Kick-off this evening at the Reale Arena (AKA Anoeta) is at 8:30pm GMT and 9:30pm CET, so stay tuned for all the team news - including the latest on Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham - and live updates.
