Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid Player Ratings: Los Blancos carry a slender advantage moving into the second-leg of the semi-final

Real Sociedad hosted Real Madrid at the Copa del Rey semi-final leg-one clash in San Sebastian. Despite the home side’s greater possession and attacking intent, they were unable to break past Madrid’s cup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who made several key saves. Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at Anoeta, taking a crucial advantage into the second leg.

The defining moment of the first half arrived in the 19th minute when Jude Bellingham delivered a perfect aerial through ball to Endrick, who coolly finished past Alex Remiro to give Los Blancos the lead. Sociedad continued to press, with Takefusa Kubo, Ander Barrenetxea, and Mikel Oyarzabal all testing Lunin, but the Ukrainian stood firm. The visitors also had their moments, with Vinicius Junior and Bellingham causing problems in the opposition box.

The story remained the same in the second half as well for Real Sociedad where they enjoyed a lot of ball and had a lot of chances but lacked the end product. Sociedad had their chances but failed to convert, leaving them needing a comeback at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid’s defensive discipline and Lunin’s heroics gave them a well-earned victory, while Sociedad will rue their missed chances. The tie remains open, but Madrid will feel confident heading into the second leg at the Bernabéu.

The Spanish champions are therefore big favourites to go on and meet either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in this season’s final, but there is plenty of football to play between now and then. Ancelotti’s men are back in action at the weekend, when they meet Real Betis in Seville, before hosting Atleti in an enticing Champions League tie. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad are away to Barca on Sunday, before tackling Manchester United in the Europa League; the second leg of this semi-final will take place in early April. Here are Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Player Ratings.

Real Sociedad Player Ratings

GK- Alex Remiro- 6.7/10

Got down quickly to parry away Vinicius Junior’s low strike in the first half and made a mesmerizing save late in the second half to deny Real Madrid a second goal.

RB- Jon Aramburu- 7/10

Had a decent shift as a fullback while creating one big chance going forward in the first half while being solid in defence as well.

CB- Igor Zubeldia- 6/10

The centre-back didn’t have a solid performance losing out more duels than he won in the entire game.

CB-Nayef Aguerd- 7/10

The defender put in a solid shift and defended well in moments but was taken off as Sociedad pushed for an equalizer.

LB- Aihen Munoz- 6.5/10

Created one big chance in the game while missing a long-range shot in the second half in search of the equalizer.

CDM- Martin Zubimendi- 6.7/10

Zubimendi looked uncomfortable creating any chances for the team as he played more backward passes than forward.

RM- Takefusa Kubo- 7/10

Kubo was energetic and creative but couldn’t break through Madrid’s disciplined backline. Had a couple of shots blocked and missed a big chance early in the game. Delivered a teasing free-kick into the Madrid box. He also set up Mendez, whose shot was saved by Lunin.

CM- Brais Méndez-7.5/10

Was probably the best player for Sociedad for as long as he was on the field created chances and won a free kick in a dangerous position for his team.

CM- Luka Sucic- 6/10

The midfielder didn’t have an influential game and was substituted in search of an equalizer.

LM- Ander Barrenetxea- 6.5/10

Was lively in the first half and tested Lunin with a powerful top-corner strike, denied by a brilliant save but faded as the game progressed. Did manage to beat Lunin with a low cross, but Madrid cleared the danger.

ST- Mikel Oyarzabal- 7.3/10

Missed a couple of big chances as he sent a 10-yard effort way over the bar from a promising position. He also took a shot inside the box, but Lunin saved comfortably. Eventually got substituted in the 77th minute.

SUB- Sheraldo Becker- 6.5/10

Came on as a substitute but had minimal impact.

SUB- Pablo Marin- 6.5/10

Came on as a substitute to provide freshness in the midfield.

SUB- Aritz Elustondo- 6/10

Came on late as a substitute to provide defensive solidity to the team.

SUB- Orri Oskarsson- NA

SUB- Javi Lopez- NA

MANAGER- Imanol Alguacil- 6/10

Managed to control the game for most parts of the game but couldn’t motivate his players to produce a moment of magic that could turn things around for his team. The team lacked the end product despite having decent chances throughout the game.

Real Madrid Player Ratings

GK- Andriy Lunin- 8/10

An absolute wall between the posts, making multiple crucial saves, including a stunning double stop in the 50th minute. Kept Real Madrid’s lead intact under immense pressure.

RB- Raul Asencio- 6.2/10

Had a tough first half and was booked before being subbed off at half-time. Struggled at times against Sociedad’s pacey attacks.

CB- Aurélien Tchouaméni- 7/10

He was defensively solid and made key interceptions and clearances. Made a crucial defensive header to clear Kubo’s dangerous free-kick. then a key six-yard clearance after Barrenetxea’s dangerous cross.

CB- Antonio Rüdiger- 7/10

The centre-back was a rock at the back, dealing with aerial threats and keeping Oyarzabal in check. His physical presence was vital in Madrid’s defensive solidity.

LB- Francisco Garcia- 7/10

Garcia looked positive going forward and was equally solid defensively although he saw himself go down in the second half after a late challenge but was back on his feet to play the rest of the game out and keep the clean sheet.

CDM- Daniel Ceballos- 7.5/10

Ceballos saw a lot of balls in the game and placed threatening long balls in the final third which caused trouble to the Sociedad defence. He was also the most fouled player of the match.

CDM- Eduardo Camavinga- 7.2/10

Camavinga had a great shift in midfield, completing the most number of passes than any other outfield player to have played 75 minutes or more, and was subbed late in the game to see the game out and keep the clean sheet.

RM- Arda Güler- 6.5/10

The promising youngster showed glimpses of quality with set-piece deliveries but was replaced late on for fresh legs.

CAM- Jude Bellingham- 8.5/10

Bellingham was the star of the match. He provided the match-winning assist for Endrick and was Madrid’s midfield engine. Had a couple of chances of his own and got a header saved in the first half. Had a goal-bound shot denied by Remiro in the 81st minute.

LM- Vinicius Junior- 6.9/10

Vinicius was a constant threat down the left, forcing Remiro into a key save in the 23rd minute. Worked tirelessly before being substituted late on.Forced a great save from Remiro with a low strike.

ST- Endrick- 8/10

Endrick scored the opener at the end of a lightning-quick counter, controlling Bellingham’s incisive through ball with a fine first touch before firing low and left-footed past Remiro. The clinical move by the Spanish champions quietened Anoeta with a moment of brilliance. He had a similar opportunity in the second half, from a Vinicius Jr. long ball which he controlled beautifully but hit the crossbar.

SUB- Lucas Vázquez- 7/10

Came on at half-time and provided stability at right-back. Picked up an early yellow but handled Sociedad’s attacks well.

SUB- David Alaba- 6/10

Came on late to bolster the defence and helped Madrid see out the clean sheet. Brought experience in the closing stages.

SUB- Brahim Diaz- 6/10

Came on as a late substitute.

SUB- Rodrygo- NA

SUB- Ferland Mendy- NA

MANAGER- Carlo Ancelotti- 7.5/10

Don Carlo with another tactical masterclass, crushing his opponents on the counterattacks, but he would’ve expected a better scoreline from his team. But needs to work on the defensive stability of the team and would try not to allow as many shots as Madrid allowed today in the second leg.

The Sportsdunia Man of the Match award goes to Jude Bellingham for his outstanding display in the attacking midfield department.