Rüdiger’s Late Header Sends Real Madrid to Copa del Rey Final

Real Madrid secured their place in the Copa del Rey final after a dramatic 4-4 draw in the second leg of their semi-final against Real Sociedad, advancing 5-4 on aggregate after extra time. Antonio Rüdiger sealed the victory with a decisive header in the 116th minute following a well-worked corner from Arda Güler.

Having lost the first leg by a single goal, Real Sociedad entered the match with high hopes of overturning the deficit. They took the lead in the 16th minute through Ander Barrenetxea, raising their chances of a comeback. However, Real Madrid responded in the 30th minute when Endrick chipped Alex Remiro to level the score.

The game took another twist in the 72nd minute when a David Alaba own goal restored Sociedad’s lead. Mikel Oyarzabal then struck in the 80th minute to put his side ahead on aggregate for the first time in the tie. At 3-1 on the night, Real Sociedad appeared to be in control, but Real Madrid refused to surrender. Jude Bellingham pulled one back in the 82nd minute before Aurélien Tchouaméni’s 86th-minute strike restored the aggregate score back in Los Blancos favor.

The drama continued as Oyarzabal found the back of the net again to send the match into extra time. With the game looking like it was heading for penalties, Rüdiger rose highest to score an header, breaking Sociedad’s hearts and securing Real Madrid’s place in the final.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona.