Youngsters lead Real Madrid to the semi-finals

Real Madrid are heading into the second leg of the Mapfre Copa del Rey semi-finals. The Whites are to host Real Sociedad on Tuesday, 1st April, at the Santiago Bernabéu (21:30, live on La 1 and Movistar Plus), with a place in the grand final at La Cartuja at stake. Carlo Ancelotti’s side head into this crucial match with a slender advantage from the first leg in San Sebastián (0-1), thanks to a goal from young talent Endrick. The success of youth has been a recurring theme for Madrid in this season’s cup competition, as their young players have been instrumental in helping them progress towards their objectives in the tournament.

Endrick has been Madrid’s standout player in the Copa del Rey this season. The Brazilian has netted four goals in four matches in this edition, averaging a goal per game. He scored two stunning goals in extra time against RC Celta, which were vital in securing Madrid’s place in the quarter-finals. He also found the net away against CD Leganés. Most recently, Endrick grabbed the crucial goal the first leg against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena with the game’s lone goal, following a long-range pass from Jude Bellingham.

Meanwhile, academy graduate Gonzalo has made a massive impact in the Copa del Rey too. The promising Madrid player came on in the final moments of the CD Leganés – Real Madrid CF match, replacing Endrick, and produced an extraordinary header in the 93rd minute to convert a cross from Brahim, sending Carlo Ancelotti’s side into the semi-finals in dramatic fashion.

Despite Madrid’s advantage from the first leg, the tie remains wide open for the return fixture. Anything can happen in the Mapfre Copa del Rey – we will see if the young talents continue to play a crucial role in Real Madrid’s quest to reach the grand final.