Bellingham Brilliance: Real Madrid Secures Thrilling Copa del Rey Final Spot

Football

Jude Bellingham was instrumental in Real Madrid`s stunning comeback victory over Real Sociedad, securing Carlo Ancelotti`s squad a place in the Copa del Rey final.

The English midfielder also showcased extraordinary talent, leaving opponents behind with an amazing display of skill, prompting fans to dub him the “English Zidane.”

Soccer game in progress.
Jude Bellingham was praised as the `English Zidane` for a moment of genius skill
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé celebrating a goal.
Bellingham spurred Real Madrid to a 5-4 aggregate Copa del Rey triumph over Real Sociedad. Credit: Rex

Real Madrid faced a tough challenge from a spirited Real Sociedad team, who were determined to overturn their 1-0 deficit from the first leg of the semi-final.

A packed Bernabeu witnessed Brazilian youngster Endrick starting in place of Kylian Mbappe.

However, it was Sociedad who took an early lead in the 16th minute with a goal from Ander Barrenetxea.

Real Madrid responded swiftly, equalizing on the night and regaining the aggregate lead when Endrick capitalized on his starting opportunity by scoring around the half-hour mark.

It appeared Real Madrid was heading to the final when Bellingham displayed a moment of magic.

The midfielder exhibited exceptional control, bringing down a high pass with ease before flicking it over a defender.

Fans were in awe, with comments like “The English Zidane” and “Stop that, Jude Bellingham” flooding social media.

However, Real Madrid`s path to the final became turbulent late in the game.

David Alaba`s own goal in the 72nd minute put Sociedad ahead 2-1 on the night, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2.

The situation worsened for Real Madrid just eight minutes later when Mikel Oyarzabal scored, giving Sociedad a 3-2 advantage overall.

England`s Bellingham, however, was not ready to concede.

He quickly galvanized his team and boosted morale by scoring shortly after.

This goal brought the score back to a tie.

Real Madrid`s determination turned into elation in the 86th minute when Aurelien Tchouameni scored, making it 3-3 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.

Yet, the drama continued as Sociedad`s Oyarzabal scored his second goal in the third minute of added time.

This made the aggregate score 4-4, forcing the match into extra time.

Neither team seemed likely to score during extra time.

However, with a penalty shootout looming just five minutes away, substitute Antonio Rudiger headed in a dramatic goal, securing Real Madrid`s place in the final with a 5-4 aggregate victory.

They are now set to face either Atletico Madrid or Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.

Real Madrid`s rivals are set to play their semi-final second leg on Wednesday, following a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg.

Ralph Tiltone
Ralph Tiltone

Ralph Tiltone is a sports journalist based in Leeds, England. He lives by the rhythm of the game, covering everything from football to cricket. His love for sports sparked on local pitches, and his keen eye for detail brings his writing to life.

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