A stunning pass from Jude Bellingham set up Endrick allowing the Brazilian to become Real Madrid’s top scorer in the Copa del Rey.
Endrick netted the only goal of the match, securing a vital 1-0 away victory against Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday.
The hosts started the match brightly, but it wasn’t long before Madrid began to match them, exchanging chances as the first half unfolded. The breakthrough came from the visitors when Bellingham delivered a magnificent ball from his own half to Endrick.
The young forward controlled the pass skillfully and finished with a deft touch using the outside of his boot, bringing his tournament total to four goals.
Real Sociedad tried to respond quickly. In the 22nd minute, Brais Méndez had a shot expertly saved by Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin. A few minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal nearly equalized, but his powerful strike was blocked by the agile Madrid goalkeeper.
Shortly after, Remiro prevented Vinicius from extending the lead by blocking a close-range effort with a stunning save. For much of the first half, the local crowd expressed their displeasure towards defender Raúl Asencio.
After Asencio received a yellow card for bringing down Ander Barrenetxea, the fans escalated their hostility, chanting, “Asencio, die.” In response, referee José Sánchez Martínez halted the game to follow protocol against racism and intolerance in football.
A message was announced over the PA system urging the crowd to stop the abuse.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti chose to substitute Asencio at halftime.
“Nobody likes to be shouted at like that. He was upset, so I decided it was best to take him off to safeguard his mindset,” Ancelotti explained in the post-match press conference. “I think the referee handled the situation correctly. Vinicius spoke with him, and he activated the protocol appropriately. I substituted Asencio because he was affected and was already on a yellow card.”
In the second half, the match maintained a high tempo with chances for both teams. Lunin denied Oyarzabal with a header and later saved a shot from Japanese forward Kubo.
Seconds later, Endrick struck the crossbar after breaking through the center-backs.Both teams continued to create clear opportunities but were thwarted by outstanding goalkeeping.
Remiro made an exceptional save from a powerful shot by Bellingham, deflecting the ball away with one hand after it had taken a deflection off Igor Zubeldia, demonstrating impressive reflexes to keep the scoreline close.
The return leg will take place on April 1 at the Bernabéu.
