 |
| Great game by Endrick. He is Real Madrid's top scorer in the Copa del Rey this season with 4 goals. |
MADRID (AP) — Filling in for the absent Kylian Mbappé, Endrick netted a crucial first-half goal to secure Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Wednesday.
Madrid were without Mbappé, who missed training on Tuesday after undergoing a tooth extraction. The French star had been in stellar form, scoring six goals in his last five games.
Endrick made the difference in the 19th minute, finishing off a swift counterattack with a precise left-footed strike after a well-placed through ball from Jude Bellingham.
“He has contributed a lot,” said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. “It’s not easy for a young player with limited minutes to score so frequently. He’s fast, powerful, and has a great eye for goal. He still needs to improve his ball control, but when he gets going, he’s a spectacular player. He’s very young, but he learns quickly.”
Ancelotti opted to rest goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde. Andriy Lunin, standing in for Courtois, played a key role in securing Madrid’s narrow advantage.
In the other semifinal, Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at the Blaugrana’s home ground on Tuesday.
Both return legs will be played in April.
On Tuesday, Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid played to a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg of their semi-final match at the Blaugrana's home stadium. The return matches are scheduled for April.
Carlo Ancelotti decided to rest goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde. Andriy Lunin, who replaced Courtois, was instrumental in helping Madrid secure an early lead in the first leg.