San Sebastian:Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Wednesday, with Endrick scoring the decisive goal.
The match faced a brief interruption before half-time due to chants targeting Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio. According to Spanish media, fans were heard chanting “Asencio die.”
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A social media video later showed a Real Sociedad supporter allegedly making racist gestures toward Vinicius Junior during the game stoppage.
The Spanish and European champions now hold an advantage heading into the second leg scheduled for April 1 at their home ground, Santiago Bernabeu.
Endrick found the net in the 19th minute, skillfully finishing with the outside of his boot after connecting with Jude Bellingham’s diagonal pass.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team played without French star Kylian Mbappe, who was sidelined with a dental issue. Fede Valverde and Thibaut Courtois were also absent.
Ancelotti rotated his squad ahead of Saturday’s La Liga match against Real Betis and next week’s Champions League last 16 encounter with Atletico Madrid.
Despite multiple changes, including starts for Arda Guler, Fran Garcia, and Eduardo Camavinga, Madrid delivered a strong performance at the Reale Arena.
The 18-year-old Endrick’s goal came after Bellingham’s assist, marking his sixth goal of the season, with four coming in the Copa del Rey.
Bellingham, returning from suspension, showed fresh energy and helped maintain Madrid’s control throughout the match.
Vinicius nearly scored with a low shot, but goalkeeper Alex Remiro made a crucial save.
Madrid’s goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made impressive consecutive saves early in the second half, denying both Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo.
Endrick almost doubled Madrid’s lead when his shot from the edge of the box struck the crossbar.
Remiro prevented further damage with two outstanding saves against Bellingham, first blocking a deflected attempt and later stopping a long-range effort.
The previous day, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who hold 31 Copa del Rey titles, played out an eventful 4-4 draw in their semi-final first leg.
