Real Sociedad Stuns Real Madrid in Thrilling 4-3 Copa del Rey Win
![]() |
Real Sociedad Stuns Real Madrid |
The match was a thrilling encounter, with Real Sociedad taking an early lead through Ander Barrenetxea in the 16th minute, setting a high tempo. Real Madrid responded with Endrick leveling the score by the 30th minute with a deft chip, keeping the game competitive. However, Real Sociedad stunned the opposition with Pablo Marín and Mikel Oyarzabal scoring to make it 3-1 by the 80th minute, capitalizing on defensive errors. Real Madrid fought back with Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni equalizing to 3-3, but Oyarzabal's late header in stoppage time secured a 4-3 win for Real Sociedad, completing the upset.
Reasons for Outcome
Real Madrid's loss can be attributed to multiple defensive lapses, particularly with deflections off David Alaba, and their struggle to maintain leads against a determined Real Sociedad side. Real Sociedad's victory was driven by their high pressing and clinical finishing, especially in crucial moments, showcasing their ability to challenge top teams in cup competitions.
Detailed Match Analysis and Context
This section provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Copa del Rey match, focusing on the flow, key moments, goals, and the factors contributing to the final 4-3 victory for Real Sociedad. The analysis aims to capture the intensity and drama of the game, offering insights for football fans seeking a detailed recap.
Match Background and Flow
The match, part of the Copa del Rey, saw Real Sociedad, often considered underdogs against the might of Real Madrid, start with aggressive intent. The game began with Real Sociedad taking an early lead through Ander Barrenetxea in the 16th minute, signaling their intent to cause an upset. Real Madrid, known for their star-studded lineup, responded with Endrick leveling the score by the 30th minute with a dinked effort, maintaining pressure on the visitors. The flow shifted as Real Sociedad capitalized on defensive errors, with Pablo Marín and Mikel Oyarzabal scoring to make it 3-1 by the 80th minute, putting Real Madrid on the back foot. The home side mounted a late comeback with Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni equalizing to 3-3, but Oyarzabal's header in stoppage time sealed a 4-3 win for Real Sociedad, completing a remarkable upset.
Key Moments and Goals
The match was defined by several pivotal moments, with goals shaping the narrative:
Minute | Scorer | Team | Details |
---|---|---|---|
16 | Ander Barrenetxea | Real Sociedad | Early goal, setting the tone for an upset |
30 | Endrick | Real Madrid | Leveled with a chip, keeping Madrid in the game |
80 | Pablo Marín | Real Sociedad | Deflected off David Alaba, extended lead |
82 | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | Pulled one back, igniting Madrid's comeback |
86 | Aurélien Tchouaméni | Real Madrid | Header from Rodrygo corner, equalized to 3-3 |
90+3 | Mikel Oyarzabal | Real Sociedad | Late header, secured 4-3 win, forced extra time |
These goals highlight the back-and-forth nature, with Real Sociedad's clinical finishing and Real Madrid's reliance on late heroics.
Analysis of Real Madrid's Defeat
Real Madrid's defeat, despite their squad depth, can be attributed to several factors. Defensive lapses, particularly with David Alaba's involvement in deflections, allowed Real Sociedad to score crucial goals. The inability to maintain leads, especially after equalizing to 3-3, showed a lack of composure under pressure. This match underscored Real Madrid's vulnerability against well-organized teams in cup competitions, with their reliance on individual brilliance rather than collective defense proving costly.
Reasons Behind Real Sociedad's Victory
Real Sociedad's victory was a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline. Their high pressing disrupted Real Madrid's rhythm, while their attacking players, notably Ander Barrenetxea, Pablo Marín, and Mikel Oyarzabal, capitalized on opportunities. The late-game intensity, with Oyarzabal's decisive header, highlighted their ability to perform under pressure, marking a significant upset against a formidable opponent.
Contextual Insights
The match, occurring as part of the Copa del Rey, added to the historical rivalry between the two teams. Research suggests that Real Sociedad's performance was exceptional, given Real Madrid's dominance in recent years. The evidence leans toward this being a rare instance where the underdog prevailed, with football fans likely to remember this as a classic cup upset. The detailed statistics, such as ball possession and shots on target, further illustrate Real Sociedad's effectiveness, though specific figures were not detailed in the analysis.
This comprehensive recap ensures football fans have a detailed understanding of the match, from the opening whistle to the final whistle, capturing the essence of a memorable Copa del Rey encounter.
Key Citations
- Real Madrid 4-4 Real Sociedad Game Analysis on ESPN (Expert recap and game analysis of Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Spanish Copa Del Rey game)
- Real Madrid 4-4 Real Sociedad on BBC Sport (Real Madrid keep Treble hopes alive with extra-time winner against Real Sociedad)