Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Real Sociedad: Rüdiger’s Late Header Clinches Copa del Rey Final Spot

In a tense Copa del Rey quarterfinal, Real Madrid overcame Real Sociedad 2-1 thanks to a late Antonio Rüdiger header, booking their semifinal spot. Here’s how each player performed in this tactical battle at the Reale Arena.

🔝 Top Performers

⭐ Antonio Rüdiger – 9/10

• Goal: Thumped home the winner in extra time—pure clutch.
• Defense: Five clearances, three interceptions—rock-solid under pressure.
• Grit: Kept the backline steady as Sociedad pushed hard.

⭐ Vinícius Júnior – 8.5/10

• Assist: Whipped in a peach of a cross for Rüdiger’s decider.
• Flair: Six dribbles completed—drove Sociedad nuts all night.
• Hustle: Ran back to defend like his life depended on it.

⭐ Jude Bellingham – 8/10

• Goal: Smashed in a close-range equalizer—kept Madrid alive.
• Workrate: Eight duels won, three key passes—midfield glue.

📊 Full Player Ratings

• Andriy Lunin – 6.5: Four saves but got nutmegged twice—shaky moments.
• Dani Carvajal – 7: Three tackles, held firm, 85% passing.
• David Alaba – 5: Two deflections turned into own goals—nightmare outing.
• Ferland Mendy – 7: Shut down his flank, quiet but effective.
• Eduardo Camavinga – 7: Two big tackles, 90% pass accuracy—solid shift.
• Aurélien Tchouaméni – 8: Headed in the third, bossed the box—huge night.
• Fede Valverde – 7.5: Ran 12 km, tireless engine in the chaos.
• Endrick – 7.5: Cool finish to level early—growing into the shirt.
• Rodrygo – 7: Pinpoint corner for Tchouaméni’s goal—worked hard, less flash.

🔍 Tactical Takeaways

• Ancelotti’s Switch: Late 3-5-2 tweak stretched Sociedad wide—paid off big.
• Sociedad’s Fight: Oyarzabal’s brace and a post hit kept it close—missed their shot.
• Set-Piece Kings: Ninth headed goal this season—Madrid’s aerial edge shines.

Man of the Match: Rüdiger

“A brick wall who’s turning into a goal machine.” — Marca

📉 Room for Improvement

• Alaba’s Woes: Two unlucky deflections gifted Sociedad hope—tough night.
• Lunin’s Lapses: Beaten too easily on a couple—needs sharper reflexes.

What’s Next?

• Final Showdown: Barcelona or Atlético await—April 26 at La Cartuja.
• La Liga Grind: Valencia up next in four days—squad depth gets a test.

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