Teenage sensation Endrick was the hero as Real Madrid edged past Real Sociedad with a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Wednesday.
Despite fielding a rotated squad, Carlo Ancelotti’s side managed to grind out a crucial away win, thanks to the 18-year-old Brazilian’s composed finish.
Madrid started on the front foot and found the breakthrough in the 19th minute. Vinícius Júnior’s relentless work in defense won back possession, allowing him to quickly release Jude Bellingham, who delivered a sublime long pass. Endrick latched onto it seamlessly and fired a precise left-footed strike beyond the goalkeeper.
The visitors almost doubled their lead shortly after, with Vinícius forcing Álex Remiro into a spectacular one-handed save from close range.
Sociedad had their own golden chance when captain Mikel Oyarzabal found space inside the box, but his weak effort was comfortably gathered by Andriy Lunin.
Just before halftime, the game was momentarily halted when Vinícius, wearing the captain’s armband for Madrid for the first time, alerted referee Jose Maria Sanchez to alleged abuse directed at teammate Raúl Asencio.
Sanchez informed both managers and security personnel before the stadium announcer issued a statement condemning racist, xenophobic, and violent remarks.
A section of the crowd responded with whistles and further jeers aimed at Vinícius.
Madrid emerged stronger in the second half, dictating play while Sociedad remained resilient. Endrick nearly extended the lead with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box that rattled the crossbar, while Remiro continued his heroics with another key stop to deny Bellingham.
With the narrow win secured, Real Madrid will look to finish the job at the Santiago Bernabéu in the second leg on April 1.
Meanwhile, the other semifinal remains delicately poised after Atletico Madrid and Barcelona played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in their first leg.
