In a match packed with goals, drama, and late heroics, David Alaba found himself in the spotlight—but not for the reasons any defender would wish for. As Real Madrid faced off against Real Sociedad in a wild Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 1, 2025, all eyes were on Los Blancos as they tried to protect their narrow first-leg advantage.
Despite flashes of brilliance from their forwards, Real Madrid were held to a thrilling 4-4 draw, narrowly progressing with a 5-4 win on aggregate. Unfortunately, it was Alaba’s own goal in the 72nd minute that nearly cost Madrid their ticket to the final.
A Night to Forget for David Alaba
A seasoned defender and usually one of the calmest presences at the back, David Alaba had an unusually tough outing. Rated just 5/10 by analysts, Alaba’s performance dipped sharply after his accidental own goal handed Real Sociedad a critical advantage in the second half. The Austrian center-back, who had otherwise been a consistent figure in Madrid’s backline, looked unsettled and was eventually subbed off late in the game.
The timing and nature of the own goal added to the tension. Real Madrid had just settled after conceding early in the first half and equalizing through Endrick. But Alaba’s own goal flipped the momentum again, giving Sociedad fresh hope in an already explosive fixture.
Match Timeline: Chaos at the Bernabeu
The match began with Ander Barrenetxea scoring for Sociedad in the 16th minute. Endrick brought Real Madrid back with a strike in the 30th minute, leveling the score 1-1 at half-time.
In the second half, Alaba’s own goal in the 72nd minute was followed by Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal in the 80th, putting Real Sociedad ahead 3-1 on the night. However, Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni came to Madrid’s rescue with goals in the 82nd and 86th minutes.
Still, the game wasn’t done. Oyarzabal struck again in injury time, taking it into extra-time. That’s when Antonio Rudiger stepped up with the decisive goal in the 115th minute, sending Madrid through despite the chaotic night.
Player Ratings Snapshot
- Vinicius Jr. – 8/10
Brought flair, an assist, and was a constant threat. - Jude Bellingham – 7.5/10
Scored and pushed the attack with intelligent play. - Aurelien Tchouameni – 7.5/10
Strong presence in midfield, added a crucial goal. - David Alaba – 5/10
Unfortunate own goal; lacked composure and was subbed. - Antonio Rudiger – N/A
Scored the winning goal in extra time; a real hero moment.
Alaba’s Season So Far: A Mixed Bag
While David Alaba is known for his best leadership and positional awareness, this match highlights a dip in his recent form. Injuries earlier this season have limited his game time, and in high-pressure moments like these, sharpness and rhythm are critical.
Ancelotti’s trust in Alaba remains strong, but the Austrian will need to bounce back quickly, especially with Madrid now eyeing both La Liga and a Copa del Rey title run.
What’s Next for Real Madrid and Alaba?
Despite the draw, Real Madrid have booked a spot in the Copa del Rey 2025 final. The team’s attack is firing on all cylinders, but defensive vulnerabilities—highlighted by Alaba’s own goal—may concern Carlo Ancelotti going forward.
As for David Alaba, he’s expected to regroup quickly. A seasoned campaigner with Champions League and Bundesliga titles to his name, one shaky night won’t define his legacy. Fans will be eager to see him bounce back stronger in the next outing.
Trending Queries Related to David Alaba
To help you get deeper into this trending topic, here are some related questions fans are searching right now:
Why did David Alaba score an own goal?
In the match held on April 1, 2025, Alaba inadvertently deflected a cross from Pablo Marin into his own net in the 72nd minute, contributing to Real Sociedad’s lead.
Will Alaba start in Real Madrid’s next match?
Following the team’s progression to the Copa del Rey final, coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with the players’ efforts, including Alaba’s, despite the own goal. While Ancelotti acknowledged the need for improved defensive focus, he dismissed the concerns about individual performances, attributing Alaba’s mistake to “bad luck.” Given Alaba’s experience and Ancelotti’s continued trust, it’s likely he will start in upcoming matches.
David Alaba vs Rudiger: Who is Madrid’s best defender?
Both Alaba and Antonio Rudiger have been pivotal to Real Madrid’s defense. Rudiger’s decisive goal in extra time against Real Sociedad highlighted his importance. However, Alaba’s consistent leadership and versatility have also been invaluable. Determining the “best” defender often depends on specific match contexts and individual performances.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad highlights
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Real Sociedad taking an early lead, followed by Real Madrid’s comeback and subsequent challenges. Key moments included Alaba’s own goal, goals from Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni, and Antonio Rudiger’s extra-time winner.
What’s David Alaba’s rating in FIFA 25?
In EA SPORTS FC™ 25, David Alaba holds an overall rating of 85. The 32-year-old Austrian defender plays as a Center Back for Real Madrid in the LaLiga EA SPORTS league.
Conclusion
The match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad will go down as one of the most dramatic Copa del Rey encounters in recent history. While there were plenty of heroes in the white shirts, the night wasn’t kind to David Alaba. His own goal almost tipped the scales, but in true Madrid fashion, the team clawed their way back.
With Alaba under scrutiny, the coming weeks will be so crucial for the defender. Can he reclaim his top form? One thing is certain: fans, pundits, and rivals alike will be watching closely.
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