Real Sociedad - Real Madrid: First Leg Summary of the Copa Del Rey Match

Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 0-1 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. At the Reale Arena, the Madrid team managed to overcome their rival thanks to a solitary goal by Endrick.

With an eye on upcoming commitments, Carlo Ancelotti decided to introduce several rotations in the starting eleven. Andriy Lunin started in goal, while Raúl Asencio played on the right wing in the absence of Fede Valverde. Additionally, Arda Güler and Endrick joined the attack alongside Vinícius, who was the captain of Real Madrid for the first time.

Endrick and His Love for the Cup

A daring Real Sociedad in front of their fans tried to surprise Real Madrid from the start of the match. In fact, Andriy Lunin had to make a great save against Take Kubo in the 3rd minute, which was the first clear opportunity of the match. Little by little, the Madrid team sought to counteract the good pressure of the 'txuri-urdin' club in the early stages with ball possession.

However, Carlo Ancelotti, who was not entirely satisfied with his team's play, changed his worried expression to one of happiness. In a play in the 19th minute, Jude Bellingham executed a perfect pass that left Endrick one-on-one with Álex Remiro. The Brazilian striker, far from getting nervous, finished with the outside of his left boot to make it 0-1.

An attacking play that began with a steal by Vinícius in his own half. Carlo Ancelotti constantly insisted on the strikers' defensive work, and they replied. Meanwhile, the locals tried to respond quickly, but Lunin notably stopped another shot on goal from Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid began to run freely on the Reale Arena field, which translated into clearer opportunities. Vinícius could have extended the lead with a low shot from a Jude Bellingham pass that Remiro ended up saving.

Thus, the Madrid team went into halftime with an advantage after a great goal by Endrick and thanks to the outstanding level of Lunin. Additionally, Sánchez Martínez had to stop the match in injury time due to chants from a section of the stands against Raúl Asencio. "Asencio die, Asencio die," several mindless individuals shouted.

Outstanding Work and Everything Pending for the Return

After the break, Carlo Ancelotti took Raúl Asencio off the field and introduced Lucas Vázquez on the right wing. Real Sociedad, as in the first half, threatened Real Madrid's goal in the opening minutes. Andriy Lunin, with a handball goalkeeper save, stopped a point-blank shot from Oyarzabal in the 48th minute.

Real Madrid's response to their rival's attempt couldn't have been better. Endrick, seeking the center backs' back, sent a powerful right-footed shot to the crossbar of the goal defended by Remiro. The Brazilian, who could have scored a brace, left quite a few flashes on the field.

The scoreboard still showed a minimal advantage for Real Madrid, but the feeling was of a lot of control by the visitors. Additionally, Real Sociedad, which was unable to create excessive danger, feared the constant counterattacks of the Madrid team. The pupils of Carlo Ancelotti, well-positioned at the back, sought to kill the tie through fast transitions.

The truth is that the 'txuri-urdin' team also failed to capitalize on their chances. Mikel Oyarzabal couldn't take advantage of a glaring mistake by Fran García that Tchouaméni saved at the last moment. From that moment on, Carlo Ancelotti, to avoid scares, decided to take Endrick off the field and introduce David Alaba.

While the young Brazilian stood out as one of the white team's figures, Álex Remiro was the main protagonist for Real Sociedad. The Spanish goalkeeper prevented the Madrid team's lead from being even greater with two great saves against Jude Bellingham.

Finally, despite the local team's surges in the final minutes, Madrid managed to hold the score in a night of great collective commitment. The only bad news was left by Dani Ceballos, who left the field disconsolate after a hard blow to the knee.

This way, Real Madrid secured a very important victory to be one step closer to the grand final in Seville. Endrick, who already has 4 goals in 4 matches, once again proved to be a very important piece for the white team. However, everything will be decided in an exciting second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu next Tuesday, April 1.