A moment of brilliance from Brazilian prodigy Endrick secured a vital 1-0 victory for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals on Wednesday night.
With star forward Kylian Mbappé sidelined after a dental procedure, Madrid turned to the 18-year-old sensation, and he delivered in style. Latching onto a precise long ball from Jude Bellingham, Endrick surged forward and clinically slotted the ball past Sociedad’s defense, marking a defining moment in the match.
“Endrick gave everything tonight,” said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. “His goal was exceptional, but his overall work rate, both in attack and defense, was just as impressive. The team played with great discipline.”
Madrid, aiming for their first Copa del Rey title since 2023, fielded a rotated squad, with Andriy Lunin stepping in for Thibaut Courtois between the posts. The Ukrainian goalkeeper proved crucial, making decisive saves to ensure Madrid heads into the return leg with a slender but significant advantage.
Real Sociedad, making their first semifinal appearance since their triumphant 2020 Copa campaign, struggled to break through Madrid’s disciplined defense. The Basque side had eliminated Los Blancos in that victorious 2020 run but now face an uphill battle in the return fixture.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in their first-leg clash on Tuesday, setting up an electrifying return leg in April.
The Copa del Rey final is scheduled for April 26 in Seville, with Madrid determined to reclaim the crown they lost last season in a shock Round of 16 exit against Atletico. With Endrick proving his mettle, Madrid’s future looks as bright as their present.