Real Madrid Player Ratings Vs Real Sociedad: Endrick Edges Blancos To Copa Del Rey Win As Jude Bellingham Balls Out To Help Secure Semi-final Advantage
The Brazilian youngster scored the only goal in San Sebastian as Carlo Ancelotti's side took another step towards cup glory
Endrick enjoyed his best night to date in a Real Madrid shirt, while Jude Bellingham pulled the strings in midfield as Los Blancos cruised to a 1-0 win in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final with Real Sociedad.
La Real threatened early, the dangerous Take Kubo stinging Andriy Lunin's palms after a well-worked move, before Endrick buried Madrid's first real chance. Bellingham created it, a left-footed ping sending the young Brazilian through, who burned his man before poking home. Vinicius Jr could have made it 2-0 soon after, but was well-denied from a tight angle.
Madrid never really grabbed control of the contest - but they did threaten in moments, including when Endrick rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike after some neat footwork on the 50-minute mark.
It was a question of game management from there. Bellingham buzzed around midfield, and kept things tidy - while also offering an attacking threat. For the most part, though, the fixture was played in the middle of the park, and Los Blancos seldom truly threatened.
There is still more football to be played in this tie, but Madrid hold what is a fairly narrow aggregate lead, and given La Real's attacking woes this season, that advantage feels like it might be too tough to overcome at Santiago Bernabeu.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Anoeta...
Real Sociedad v Real Madrid - Copa del ReyGetty Images Sport Goalkeeper & Defence Andriy Lunin (6/10):
Made a couple of neat saves but wasn't ever under any real threat.
Raul Asencio (5/10):
On the receiving end of some unsavoury chanting from the home fans. Replaced at the break.
Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):
Made a number of important defensive interventions, and was comfortable in possession. A rather good centre-back showing.
Antonio Rudiger (6/10):
Not his best game in one-on-ones as La Real dragged him around a bit. Clever and effective defending the box, though.
Fran Garcia (5/10):
Rinsed by Kubo on a few occasions. Got forward but lacked final product.
Midfield Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):
Always snapping into tackles. Won the most duels on the pitch, and looked to get forward.
Dani Ceballos (7/10):
Instrumental in midfield. Wasn't necessarily chief creator, but he seemed to win everything.
Jude Bellingham (8/10):
Assisted the opener with a wonderful raking ball. Created six chances, put two shots on target, and did some important defensive work.
Real Sociedad v Real Madrid - Copa del ReyGetty Images Sport Attack Arda Guler (5/10):
Hardly involved in a right-wing position. He seems more effective as an attacking midfielder.
Endrick (7/10):
Took his goal well, and never stopped running. Has now scored four in four in the Copa.
Vinicius Jr (6/10):
Busy and dangerous in the first half, but went rather quiet in the second. Been a bit inconsistent of late.
Subs & Manager Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
A solid shift in the second half.
David Alaba (6/10):
Another strong outing at the back as he returns to full fitness.
Brahim Diaz (N/A):
Nothing more than a brief cameo.
Rodrygo (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Ferland Mendy (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Won't be delighted with the performance, but will certainly take the result. A 1-0 lead heading to the Bernabeu is fairly solid these days...
Real Madrid Player Ratings Vs Real Sociedad: Endrick Edges Blancos To Copa Del Rey Win As Jude Bellingham Balls Out To Help Secure Semi-final Advantage