Real Madrid managed to secure a 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg on Tuesday, progressing to the final 5-4 on aggregate thanks to Antonio Rudiger`s crucial goal. This hard-fought draw sets up a final against either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid. However, the match itself raised questions about Real Madrid`s form, as they had to recover from behind four separate times to avoid defeat.
While Real Madrid is renowned for their resilience and comeback ability, this game felt different. Their defense showed significant vulnerabilities throughout the match. David Alaba scored an own goal and was fortunate not to be responsible for another, while Eduardo Camavinga struggled in the left-back position. These defensive lapses highlight potential depth issues as Los Blancos prepare to compete in both La Liga and the Champions League, where they are set to face Arsenal in the quarterfinals. Their demanding schedule between April 5th and 16th includes matches against Valencia, Alaves, and two crucial encounters with Arsenal, who are also facing their own challenges.
Real Madrid should ideally be able to win their La Liga fixtures even with squad rotation. However, recent performances suggest that their squad depth might not be as strong as previously believed. They faced difficulties overcoming Leganes in their previous match, and many of the backup players failed to impress in this Copa del Rey game before the regular starters were brought on to stabilize the situation.
The Chaotic Nature of the Match
Real Sociedad took an early lead in the 16th minute through Ander Barrenetxea, before Endrick equalized with a well-taken goal in the first half. However, Real Madrid`s defense was again caught off guard. Alaba`s own goal was quickly followed by a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal. In a swift response, Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni scored within four minutes of each other to put Real Madrid back in the lead. Yet, Oyarzabal struck again in the 93rd minute, forcing the game into extra time. While Rudiger`s goal ultimately prevented a penalty shootout, the match amplified concerns about Real Madrid`s overall capabilities this season.
Can They Win La Liga?
Competing on multiple fronts requires Carlo Ancelotti to effectively utilize his entire squad depth. However, relying on depth options might lead to dropped points in crucial matches. Real Madrid has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven games. With first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois injured and Andriy Lunin deputizing, the defensive stability is further weakened. Trailing Barcelona by three points in La Liga, Real Madrid must balance their priorities, potentially needing to conserve key players for the Champions League. In this Copa del Rey match, players like Kylian Mbappe, Rudiger, and Brahim Diaz had to be brought on, while key starters such as Fede Valverde, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Tchouameni played the full 120 minutes, potentially leading to fatigue for upcoming games.
It`s a delicate balancing act. With a strong focus on the Champions League, Real Madrid faces a challenging situation. Having already secured a place in the Copa del Rey final, the possibility of a treble remains, but injuries to key defenders Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal for the rest of the season have stretched their defense to its limit. Ultimately, defensive vulnerabilities could be the biggest obstacle preventing them from achieving their title ambitions this season.
What Comes Next?
Real Madrid will remain at home to face Valencia on Saturday as they aim to take the sole lead in La Liga. Real Sociedad`s next match is on Sunday against Las Palmas. Facing Las Palmas, who are currently in the relegation zone, presents Real Sociedad with an opportunity to climb closer to the European qualification spots, despite their inconsistent form this season.
