Rudiger’s extra-time header sends Real Madrid to Copa del Rey final

Real Madrid’s pursuit of a historic Treble remains alive after Antonio Rudiger’s dramatic extra-time header secured their spot in the Copa del Rey final with a thrilling victory over Real Sociedad.

Rudiger, coming off the bench, rose highest in the 115th minute to meet Arda Guler’s corner, flicking a header past Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro and igniting wild celebrations at the Bernabeu.

The second half saw an astonishing flurry of goals, with five strikes in just 21 minutes. Sociedad, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, drew level in the 16th minute through Ander Barrenetxea.

However, teenage sensation Endrick responded with a sublime chip in the 30th minute, restoring Madrid’s aggregate lead.

A chaotic climax unfolded in the final 20 minutes. A David Alaba own goal in the 72nd minute gave Sociedad the lead on the night before Mikel Oyarzabal’s deflected strike made it 3-1, and 3-2 on aggregate. But Madrid quickly hit back as Jude Bellingham volleyed home an equalizer.

Aurelien Tchouameni’s late header appeared to seal the win for Madrid in the 86th minute, only for Oyarzabal to level again in stoppage time, forcing extra time.

In the end, Rudiger’s decisive header settled the contest, clinching a 5-4 aggregate victory.

Madrid remain in the hunt for their first-ever Treble, trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona by three points while also preparing to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals. They now await the winner of Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid to determine their final opponent.