Real Madrid Secures Narrow Victory in Copa del Rey Semifinal Against Real Sociedad
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Synopsis
On February 27, Endrick's first-half strike propelled Real Madrid to a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal, held in San Sebastian. Despite a strong effort from Sociedad, Madrid's goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made key saves to maintain the lead.
Key Takeaways
- Endrick scores the only goal of the match.
- Real Madrid's defense, led by Lunin, holds strong.
- Real Sociedad struggles with finishing chances.
- Madrid utilizes counterattacks effectively.
- Barcelona and Atletico Madrid draw in a thrilling match.
Madrid, Feb 27 (NationPress) A goal by Endrick in the first half provided Real Madrid with a crucial first-leg lead in their Copa del Rey semifinal clash against Real Sociedad, ending with a score of 1-0 in San Sebastian.
Real Sociedad fought hard to level the score but struggled with precision in their final passes, while Madrid's goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made several key saves.
Carlo Ancelotti, the Madrid coach, made some unexpected choices, starting both Endrick and Arda Guler, which proved effective. In the 19th minute, the Brazilian forward received a diagonal pass from Jude Bellingham, with home defender Igor Zubeldia keeping him onside, as reported by Xinhua.
Endrick skillfully controlled the ball with his thigh before firing it past Alex Remiro with his left foot.
Mikel Oyarzabal nearly equalized for Real Sociedad when he found space in the Madrid box, but his shot lacked the necessary power.
Real Sociedad aimed to maintain possession, dominating much of the play in the Madrid half; however, with Vinicius, Bellingham, and Endrick, Madrid always posed a threat on the counterattack. Remiro did well to deny a shot from Vinicius at a tight angle.
Lunin excelled again by saving a curling shot from Ander Barrenetxea, who subsequently received a yellow card for a foul on Madrid defender Raul Asencio, replaced by Lucas Vazquez at the start of the second half.
At the beginning of the second half, Lunin thwarted Oyarzabal and was also tested by Takefusa Kubo as Real Sociedad increased the pressure.
Real Madrid found themselves on the defensive as the home team pushed for an equalizer, with Lunin successfully blocking a shot from Aihen Munoz.
On the opposite end, Endrick struck the bar, but overall, Real Sociedad was more aggressive, with Oyarzabal wasting a golden opportunity after hesitating in a good position, while Remiro had to save a deflected shot from Bellingham in the final minutes.
In another match on Tuesday, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid played out an exhilarating 4-4 draw, leaving the outcome of the return leg uncertain.
