Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid, Copa del Rey: Real Takes the Advantage Before April 1
In a highly anticipated Copa del Rey semifinal clash, Real Madrid came out victorious against Real Sociedad, securing a crucial 1-0 win at the Anoeta Stadium. The match, played on March 27, 2025, was a tactical battle where Madrid took full advantage of the few chances they had to take a commanding lead before the return leg in Madrid on April 1. This article takes a deep dive into the match, analyzing key moments, standout performances, and the implications for both teams moving forward in the competition.
The Build-Up to the Match
Real Madrid’s journey to the Copa del Rey semifinals had not been an easy one. With key players sidelined through injury, coach Carlo Ancelotti was forced to field a squad that lacked some of their most influential figures. However, the team's recent form in La Liga had been encouraging, and their confidence was high as they faced Real Sociedad, one of the most formidable sides in Spain this season.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, had been one of the surprise packages of the 2024-2025 season. Under the guidance of coach Imanol Alguacil, the team had been playing an exciting brand of attacking football, with a solid defensive setup. However, their previous encounters with the elite teams in Spain had often ended in disappointment, and the Copa del Rey semifinal was seen as an opportunity to make a statement. A win at home would give them a significant advantage going into the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid’s Line-Up and Strategy
Carlo Ancelotti made several key decisions with his starting XI. Given the stakes of the match, he chose to start with a 4-3-3 formation, a system that allowed his team to control the midfield and exploit the wide areas. With the absence of star players like Karim Benzema and Vinícius Júnior, it was up to players like Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham to step up and provide the attacking spark.
The midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić, and Bellingham was designed to dominate possession and orchestrate the play, while the defensive pairing of David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger offered stability at the back. Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy were tasked with providing width and support from the full-back positions. In goal, Thibaut Courtois remained a steady presence, trusted with keeping the Sociedad attack at bay.
Real Sociedad’s Approach and Key Players
Real Sociedad, led by Imanol Alguacil, started with a similar 4-3-3 formation, focusing on pressing high and exploiting the space behind Madrid’s defense. The forward pairing of Alexander Sørloth and Mikel Oyarzabal was expected to create problems for the Madrid defense, especially with Oyarzabal’s ability to cut inside from the left and Sørloth’s physical presence in the air.
Midfield was crucial for Sociedad, as Mikel Merino and David Silva provided creativity and vision in the center. Their ability to retain possession and break down Madrid’s defensive lines would be key to unlocking Madrid’s back four. Meanwhile, the Sociedad defense, led by Aritz Elustondo and Igor Zubeldia, looked to hold firm against Madrid’s attacking threats, while goalkeeper Álex Remiro would need to be at his best to keep his team in the tie.
First Half: A Tactical Battle
The match began with a high tempo, as both teams looked to seize control of the game early. Real Madrid dominated possession in the opening stages, with Modrić and Kroos pulling the strings in midfield. However, Real Sociedad was quick to press and force Madrid into mistakes, preventing the visitors from building any significant momentum.
The first real chance of the match came in the 15th minute when Bellingham found space in the penalty area following a clever ball from Kroos. His shot, however, was saved well by Remiro, who had to dive low to his left to prevent the ball from sneaking into the bottom corner.
Sociedad responded shortly after, as Oyarzabal cut in from the left and fired a powerful shot from outside the box. Courtois was forced to make a superb diving save, pushing the ball wide for a corner. The intensity of the match continued to rise, with both teams creating half-chances, but neither side could break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes. The first half ended 0-0, with both teams feeling they could have done more to gain the upper hand.
Second Half: Madrid’s Decisive Moment
The second half saw both teams come out with more urgency, knowing the importance of securing an advantage in the first leg. In the 56th minute, Real Madrid finally broke the deadlock. A quick counter-attack saw Rodrygo burst down the right wing, using his pace to leave Sociedad’s defense behind. He delivered a precise cross into the box, where Bellingham arrived at the perfect moment to head the ball past Remiro, giving Madrid a 1-0 lead.
It was a well-executed goal, showcasing Madrid’s lethal counter-attacking style. Bellingham, who had been in excellent form throughout the season, was once again the hero, scoring his 18th goal of the campaign. His presence in the box and ability to time his runs had been a constant threat for Sociedad’s defense.
Real Sociedad responded immediately, ramping up the pressure in search of an equalizer. Sørloth had a powerful header on goal from a corner, but Courtois was equal to the task, producing a stunning save to keep Madrid’s lead intact. The Spanish side continued to push forward, but their final ball lacked the precision needed to trouble Madrid’s defense.
Madrid’s Defensive Resilience
As the minutes ticked away, Real Madrid’s defense held firm, dealing with everything Sociedad threw at them. Rüdiger and Alaba were solid at the back, and Courtois remained a commanding presence in goal. Sociedad’s frustrations grew as the match wore on, with their attacks becoming more desperate and less cohesive.
Despite their best efforts, Sociedad could not break down Madrid’s defense. Madrid’s midfield, led by Modrić and Kroos, kept possession well in the latter stages of the match, stifling any potential Sociedad counter-attacks. Ancelotti’s tactical discipline paid off, as Madrid secured the 1-0 victory and now looked forward to the second leg in Madrid on April 1.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The 1-0 scoreline gives Real Madrid a crucial advantage heading into the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal. While the result is not yet a guarantee of progression, Madrid will feel confident about their chances, especially with the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, where they have been formidable this season. Ancelotti will be hoping that his team can capitalize on their advantage and reach yet another Copa del Rey final.
For Real Sociedad, the task is now even more difficult. They will need to score at least once in Madrid to have any hope of progressing, and with Madrid’s solid defense, that will be no easy feat. Alguacil’s side will need to be at their best, and they will have to find a way to break down Madrid’s defense while also remaining disciplined at the back. The second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter, with everything to play for.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg was a hard-fought victory that gives them the upper hand heading into the return leg. Bellingham’s decisive header proved to be the difference in a match that saw both teams create chances, but only Madrid could capitalize on theirs. With Madrid’s defense proving difficult to breach, Sociedad will face an uphill battle in the second leg, but the tie is far from over.
As the Copa del Rey semifinal continues, the anticipation for the second leg on April 1 grows. Will Real Madrid hold on to their advantage, or can Real Sociedad produce a memorable comeback? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey to the Copa del Rey final is set to be a thrilling one.