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Real Madrid battled to a crucial 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie on Wednesday night. Endrick’s well-taken strike in the 19th minute eventually proved to be the decisive factor, handing Los Blancos a narrow advantage ahead of the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 1.
The match was not without controversy, as the game was briefly paused just before halftime due to chants of “Asencio die” aimed at Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio. A video also emerged on social media of a Real Sociedad fan making monkey gestures at Vinicius Junior during the stoppage.
Despite being without key players Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde, and Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid put on a solid display at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian. Endrick, who was handed a rare start, made the most of his opportunity, finishing stylishly at the near post after being sent through on goal by Jude Bellingham. The 18-year-old attacker controlled the ball with one touch before stroking it home with the outside of his boot.
Bellingham, who had missed Madrid’s previous La Liga match through suspension, looked fresh and helped his side stay largely on top. Vinicius Junior also came close with a low shot that was tipped to safety by Alex Remiro. The Brazilian winger’s effort was one of several scoring opportunities created by Real Madrid, who dominated possession and territory throughout the match.
In the second half, Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made a fine double save to keep Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo at bay. Endrick then crashed a shot against the bar from the edge of the box, while Remiro produced fine saves to deny Bellingham’s deflected strike and long-range effort in the final stages. Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper was instrumental in keeping his team’s hopes alive, making several crucial interventions to prevent Real Madrid from extending their lead.
The win puts Real Madrid in a strong position ahead of the return leg, but Real Sociedad will be hoping to mount a comeback and reach the Copa del Rey final. In the other semi-final tie, Atletico Madrid fought back to draw 4-4 with Barcelona in the first leg on Tuesday. Real Madrid are bidding to win their 21st Copa del Rey trophy this season, while Real Sociedad are aiming to lift the trophy for just the third time in club’s history.
