At the 18-minute mark of the first half, Endrick lit up the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastián with a brilliant goal, giving Real Madrid a 1-0 lead over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The 18-year-old Brazilian received a masterful long pass from Jude Bellingham, sprinted through the attacking half, and finished with precision using the outside of his left foot to send a low shot past goalkeeper Remiro into the right corner. The scoreline reflects Real Madrid’s narrow edge in a tightly contested match, with Real Sociedad applying pressure from the opening whistle and generating dangerous chances, though they’ve yet to level the game as it progresses past the 26-minute mark. Kicking off at 5:30 p.m. Brasília time, the match remains in full swing, promising more action as both teams vie for control in this crucial stage of the Spanish competition. Vinicius Jr, making his debut as Real Madrid’s captain, leads a mixed lineup chosen by Carlo Ancelotti, while over 35,000 home fans urge Real Sociedad to find an equalizer.
Endrick, who joined Real Madrid from Palmeiras in July 2024 for around 35 million euros, seized his second consecutive start to prove why he’s hailed as one of football’s brightest prospects. His goal strengthens the club’s faith in its young stars on a night that also marks Vinicius Jr’s first game wearing the captain’s armband.
The battle is far from decided, with Real Sociedad showing offensive flair and Real Madrid relying on swift counterattacks. As of now, the score stands at 1-0, but the intensity suggests more defining moments are still to unfold before the halftime whistle.
Real Sociedad’s Early Pressure Challenges Madrid Defense
Real Sociedad came out swinging, determined to leverage their home advantage. Just one minute in, Barrenetxea drove in from the left, cut inside, and fired a right-footed shot over Lunin’s goal, setting an aggressive tone for the Basque side. By the 3rd minute, Kubo linked up with Brais Méndez on the right side of the box and unleashed a sharp effort, only for Real Madrid’s Ukrainian goalkeeper to make a solid save and keep the score level. The hosts kept up the heat, pushing their press high and disrupting Madrid’s buildup, as seen at the 14-minute mark when Ceballos was fouled by Zubimendi under tight marking.
Despite their strong start, Real Sociedad hasn’t found the net, allowing Real Madrid to settle into the game. Coming off a 2-0 win over Osasuna in the quarterfinals, the San Sebastián outfit boasts six victories in their last eight matches this season, fueling their resolve to at least draw level before the first half ends.
Endrick and Bellingham Shine in Crucial Partnership
Endrick stole the spotlight by breaking the deadlock at 18 minutes, but the goal owed much to Jude Bellingham’s orchestration in midfield. Two minutes earlier, at the 16th, Bellingham had tried to find Endrick in the box with a clever pass, only for Real Sociedad’s Zubeldia to intercept. Undeterred, the English star delivered a pinpoint long ball moments later, catching Endrick in stride. The Brazilian controlled it flawlessly and slotted it home with finesse, silencing the Anoeta crowd and putting Madrid ahead.
Earlier, at the 8th minute, Bellingham had a chance of his own, heading a Ceballos cross at the near post but sending it wide of the target. The growing chemistry between Bellingham and Endrick is proving vital for Real Madrid, with the teenager thriving off the midfielder’s vision in his debut European campaign.
Match Remains Wide Open with Chances on Both Ends
As the clock ticks past 26 minutes, the game retains its high tempo. At 21 minutes, Brais Méndez collected the ball just outside the box and rifled a left-footed shot, forcing Lunin to palm it away for a corner in a critical save. A minute later, at 22, Barrenetxea swung a cross into the area, but Camavinga cleared the danger, preserving Madrid’s slim lead. The 1-0 scoreline belies the flurry of opportunities, signaling that Real Sociedad remains a threat intent on clawing back into the contest.
For Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr is steering the ship in his first outing as captain. At the 8th minute, he slipped a slick pass to Fran García on the left, though Aramburu snuffed it out at the byline. Then, at 11 minutes, Vini latched onto a long ball down the left flank, but Asencio’s delivery was overhit, and it rolled out for a throw-in. The Brazilian continues probing for gaps to extend Madrid’s advantage.
Key Moments Up to the 26th Minute
The Copa del Rey semifinal first leg between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid has delivered gripping action so far. Here are the standout moments:
- 1st minute: Barrenetxea shoots from distance, sailing over Lunin’s bar.
- 3rd minute: Kubo fires after a one-two with Méndez, but Lunin stands firm.
- 18th minute: Endrick scores for Real Madrid, assisted by Bellingham.
- 21st minute: Méndez’s powerful strike is tipped over by Lunin.
- 22nd minute: Camavinga blocks Barrenetxea’s cross in the box.
The score holds at 1-0 for Real Madrid, but the match continues to unfold with both sides eager to shift the momentum before the break.
Real Madrid Leans on Emerging Talents
Sporting a rotated squad under Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid is showcasing its faith in youth. Endrick, at 18, now has three goals this season and emerges as a linchpin in this high-stakes clash. Arda Güler, another rising star, got in on the act at the 5th minute, cutting in from the right and blasting a shot from outside the box, though it flew over the goal. This blend of youth complements the experience of Bellingham and Camavinga, who anchor the midfield with poise.
Vinicius Jr, at 24, steps into the captain’s role for the first time, a milestone in his Real Madrid tenure. Directing play on the pitch, he aims to spark attacks as the team rides a six-game unbeaten streak, with four wins and two draws this season.
Balance Defines Clash at Anoeta
With 26 minutes gone, Real Sociedad refuses to back down. Sitting ninth in La Liga with 34 points, the Basque side presses Madrid relentlessly, using sharp wing play from Kubo and Barrenetxea and Méndez’s craft in midfield to test the visitors’ backline, marshaled by Lunin and Camavinga.
Real Madrid, tied with Barcelona atop the Spanish league, counters with discipline and rapid transitions. Endrick’s goal provides a cushion, but the one-goal margin keeps the game on a knife-edge, with the potential for twists still looming large in the first half.
Battle Promises More Thrills Before Halftime
At the 26-minute mark, Real Madrid’s 1-0 lead underscores their momentary dominance, yet Real Sociedad presses on, chasing an equalizer in front of their roaring home crowd. The Anoeta faithful cheer every foray forward, with the hosts racking up three notable shots against Madrid’s two. The technical brilliance of Bellingham and Endrick gives Real Madrid an edge, but Real Sociedad’s tenacity ensures a deadlock remains within reach.
The match rolls on, with the halftime whistle still ahead and both teams locked in a fierce struggle. Endrick’s stunning strike stands as the difference so far, keeping fans on edge as this Copa del Rey semifinal delivers unrelenting drama in its opening half.