Hosting Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, counting on a run of 21 games unbeaten, Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid had everything to make it to the semis of the King’s Cup.
However, in an electrifying game, visitors from the Basque country stepped up, did not intimidate themselves ahead of the Spanish giants and beat them 4-3 away to advance in the domestic Cup.
Surprisingly, Real Sociedad went 3-0 up. Zidane might be regretting a lot the loaning of 21-year-old Norwegian Martin Odegaard, who proved himself as a potential world-class player and was one of the main responsible for the 4-3 win.
The Norwegian youngster himself went on to open the scoring on 22 minutes. Goalkeeper Areola palmed an Alexander Isak shot away into the way of Odegaard, as the latter slotted home.
After the break, it was time for Isak to shine. Former Borussia Dortmund striker Alexander Isak scored twice on 53′ and 55′ to make it three. In his first one, Ander Barrenetxea made a great move from the left and crossed to the Swede, who struck a first-time effort into the net.
Two minutes later, the Swede was picked out inside the box and fired home past Areola.
Real Madrid pushed for a reaction, as Brazilian Marcelo scored with 58 minutes. The full-back received down the left flank and finished low. Goalkeeper Alex Remiro accepted. 1-3.
When Real Madrid seemed to have taken control of the game, Mikel Merino showed up to score Sociedad’s fourth. It all began with Isak, as the Swede went down the left and connected with Merino, who was unmarked inside the box and struck a right-footed shot home.
Being 4-1 down at home in a knockout game, Real Madrid couldn’t give up, and they indeed fought until the end.
In the 80th minute, a Brazilian goal to give some kind of hope. Vinicius Junior – who was Madrid’s best player in the match-, powered home down the left and perfectly crossed it for Rodrygo, who netted.
Already by the added time, Nacho headed home a Benzema cross on 90+3.
Madrid still had a numerical advantage in the final minutes, as Andoni Gorosabel was sent off for a foul in Vinicius Junior, as the Brazilian pulled off a humiliating dribble in a looping ball past Sociedad’s player, who stopped Vinicius and was given the red card.
Sergio Ramos still had the last chance in a header, but Sociedad’s keeper, Alex Remiro saved it and sealed Sociedad away win.
A true miracle for Real Sociedad, given that Real Madrid tops the La Liga and didn’t lose a match since October. Now onto the semifinals, as Sociedad will still get to know their opponents.