Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid: Endrick nets again in Copa semi-final first leg

Endrick continued his Copa del Rey scoring streak to give Real Madrid the upper hand in their semi-final against Real Sociedad.

The Brazil forward scored the only goal as Madrid claimed a 1-0 first-leg advantage at Anoeta on Wednesday.

Jude Bellingham’s sublime pass picked out Endrick, who steered a fine finish past Alex Remiro with 18 minutes played for his fourth goal in the Copa this season.

A Madrid side captained by Vinicius Junior passed up opportunities to add to their lead but were also indebted to goalkeeper Andrii Lunin for a series of sharp stops.

The victory was not without its setbacks for Carlo Ancelotti’s men as Dani Ceballos had to be withdrawn with injury, with the midfielder leaving the field in tears ahead of a crucial stage of the season.

Madrid will play Atletico Madrid home and away in the Champions League and four LaLiga games before this semi-final tie against La Real resumes at the start of April.

6 – Andrii Lunin made six saves against Real Sociedad, more than any Real Madrid goalkeeper in a game without conceding this season in all competitions and the most by any Real Madrid goalkeeper in a Copa del Rey game without conceding since at least 2013/14. Titan. pic.twitter.com/uAHuHi2yCU

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 26, 2025

Data debrief: Last Lun of defence

La Real had more possession and more shots on target than their visitors, but Lunin stood between the home side and a goal that would have levelled the tie.

In making six saves, Lunin prevented 1.3 goals, according to expected goals on target (xGoT) data, and became the first Madrid goalkeeper to make six saves in a Copa match without conceding since at least 2013-14.

While Bellingham was influential, creating six chances including the goal, Lunin kept Madrid in control of the semi-final.