Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg in San Sebastian 1-0. Backup striker Endrick was allowed to play again – and repaid the trust placed in him.
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti was without Mbappé, among others, compared to the 2-0 win against Girona, who was unable to recover in time after dental surgery. The coach made a number of changes after the weekend, with Arda Güler and Endrick getting another chance from the start.
Endrick scores with the outside of his foot
The hosts started brightly and had the first good chance of the game, Kubo’s shot from a tight angle was saved by Courtois’ substitute Lunin (4′). Real took a calm look at the game first and then struck with all their individual class: Bellingham played a great long ball to Endrick, who took the ball nicely and scored with a clever shot on the outside of his foot (19′).
Real Sociedad were now looking for an answer, but found it difficult to create any chances. In defense, home keeper Alex Remiro saved to prevent Vinicius Junior from scoring (28′). With Lunin having made a fine save to prevent Barrenetxeas from scoring just before half-time (42′), the home side went into the break with a narrow lead.
Real Sociedad also had the first big chance of the second half, but Oyarzabal’s header was saved by Lunin and Kubo was unable to get the rebound past the keeper (49′). On the opposite side, the visitors were unlucky when Endricks’ shot hit the crossbar (51). Otherwise, it was rather quiet in terms of chances after the break, Bellingham sniffed at the 2-0, but Alex Remiro made a great save on the Englishman’s deflected shot (82).
So it was a narrow away win and Real go into the second leg on April 1st with a narrow lead. Both teams will be back in action in the league at the weekend, with Real Sociedad playing FC Barcelona on Sunday at 4:15 p.m. and Real playing Betis Sevilla on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
