The Santiago Bernabéu exploded with joy as Antonio Rüdiger’s towering header in the 115th minute capped off one of the most thrilling nights in recent Copa del Rey history, sending Real Madrid into the final after a breathless 4-4 draw with Real Sociedad 5-4 on aggregate.

In a contest where emotions surged and momentum shifted wildly, Real Madrid found themselves battling both the scoreboard and the clock. Real Sociedad, determined and aggressive, struck the first blow early on. Ander Barrenetxea opened the scoring in the 16th minute, unsettling the home crowd with a composed finish.

But Real Madrid responded swiftly through 18-year-old sensation Endrick, whose sharp finish in the 30th minute brought the Bernabéu back to life. The Brazilian’s goal seemed to settle the hosts, but the second half brought more drama than anyone could have anticipated.

An unfortunate own goal from David Alaba handed Real Sociedad the lead once more, before Mikel Oyarzabal fired in a third, putting the visitors ahead 3-1 on the night and tipping the aggregate score in their favor.

Faced with elimination, Madrid turned to two of their rising stars. Jude Bellingham once again living up to his “English Zidane” nickname slalomed through defenders to reduce the deficit. Minutes later, Aurélien Tchouaméni struck with venom, equalizing the tie and re-igniting belief.

But the chaos was far from over.

Oyarzabal returned with another twist in the tale, scoring his second in stoppage time to force extra time, and once again silence the Bernabéu. For a moment, it looked like Real Sociedad might pull off the unthinkable.

That was until Rüdiger rose above everyone.

With just five minutes remaining in extra time, the German defender met a perfectly delivered corner, powering a header into the net and sending the stadium into delirium. It was a goal that didn’t just win a match—it embodied the spirit, resilience, and relentless hunger of Real Madrid.

Now bound for the final in Seville, Los Blancos await the outcome of the other semi-final between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. But for now, they’ll savor a comeback that will be remembered for years to come.

This was Real Madrid at their most chaotic, most dramatic, and most magical.