Real Madrid will take a 1-0 lead into their Copa del Rey semi-final decider against Real Sociedad thanks to Endrick’s early first-leg goal.
The Brazilian teenage sensation finished coolly low with the outside of his left boot to settle an entertaining tie between the LaLiga rivals at Anoeta on Wednesday night, taking a brilliant first touch after being played in by a fine lofted pass from the returning Jude Bellingham.
England midfielder Bellingham was an influential figure for a Madrid team missing top scorer Kylian Mbappe following a dental issue, delivering an impressive display as he returned to the starting XI amid a two-match LaLiga ban that will also see him miss Saturday’s trip to Real Betis.
Carlo Ancelotti also gave the night off to both Federico Valverde and Thibaut Courtois in San Sebastian, with the latter’s deputy Andriy Lunin making the most of his chance in goal as he denied former Madrid starlet Takefusa Kubo early on.
It was a bright start from Sociedad as they looked to continue a fine run of form that had seen them win five of their last six matches across all competitions, with Lunin alert again to keep out a flick from a corner after Aihen Munoz had also tried his luck in the opening exchanges.
More to follow
