Real Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey final this season with a 5-4 aggregate win over Real Sociedad in the semi-final. Having already won the first leg 1-0 at the Reale Arena in February, the Whites drew 4-4 at the end of extra time against Imanol Alguacil’s side, thanks to goals from Endrick, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger.
The team defended very disappointingly but some great attacking play made the difference, particularly in the latter stages of the game after Sociedad had gone 3-2 up on aggregate 10 minutes before full-time. For Real Madrid, it is a vital win nevertheless and later in April, they will have the chance to win their first piece of silverware this season against Atletico Madrid or Barcelona.
That said, here is a look at the player ratings from the second leg of the semi-final.
Player Ratings
Andriy Lunin – 4.5/10
Lunin conceded four goals and did not make any noteworthy saves. He looked a bit off colour, however, as he failed to come for set pieces and did not distribute the ball very well either.
Lucas Vazquez – 5/10
Vazquez was at fault for the first Sociedad goal due to his poor positioning but looked decent at the back for much of the game. He did very little offensively, however.
Raul Asencio – 7/10
Asencio was arguably the best Real Madrid defender on the pitch yet again. He made five clearances and four recoveries to thwart Sociedad from making further inroads.
David Alaba – 4/10
An own goal and a wicked deflection which led to another shed water on a fairly decent performance from Alaba in what was perhaps the best he has looked since returning from injury.
Eduardo Camavinga – 6.5/10
Camavinga had Takefusa Kubo well within his grasp all game and prevented the Japanese from having any meaningful impact on the game. The former Rennes star even helped Vinicius offensively though his decision-making on either end of the pitch could have been far better.
Aurelien Tchouameni – 8.5/10
Tchouameni left absolutely everything out on the pitch as he nullified Martin Zubimendi’s threat from a deeper position in midfield. The Frenchman also bagged a vital goal at the backend of regulation time.
Federico Valverde – 7/10
Valverde did not put a foot wrong but was not his usual impactful best as Sociedad identified him as Madrid’s biggest threat and nullified him with two or three men putting pressure on the 26-year-old.
Jude Bellingham – 8.5/10
Bellingham was impressive once more. Barring a great finish from close range, he created four chances, won 13 duels and dictated the tempo from midfield for the team while in possession.
Rodrygo Goes – 7.5/10
Rodrygo troubled Aihen Munoz all game without much support from Vazquez on the right. He also tracked back and helped defensively. His hard work was rewarded with a great assist to Tchouameni.
Endrick – 8/10
Endrick scored once on the night and kept getting in dangerous positions all game. He even had an audacious bicycle attempt which went narrowly wide of goal.
Vinicius Junior – 9/10
A superb performance by Vinicius, who provided two magnificent assists. ...
