'I told him that he would be substituted': Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti Reveals The Stern Warning He Gave To Vinicius Junior During Copa del Rey Semifinal Against Real Sociedad

Real Madrid have progressed to the Copa del Rey final, but once again the victory came after a lot of suffering. After collecting a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in Leg 1 of the tie, the Los Blancos entered the second leg with a slender lead and a psychological edge as the match was scheduled to take place at their home stadium of Santiago Bernabeu. However, as it turned out, the game was pushed to extra time where Antonio Rudiger's header brought Madrid to level at 4-4 and 5-4 in the aggregate.

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Real Madrid Once Again Had to Pull Off a Comeback Victory

After a troublesome win against Leganes at the weekend, Real Madrid's problems do not seem to cease as the defense once again leaked goals. La Real cut out Madrid's advantage in the 16th minute of the match, courtesy of Ander Barrenetxea's strike. Following that Endrick restored Real's overall lead by bringing the side to 1-1 at the 30th minute of the game. Real Madrid conceded twice in the 70 to 80-minute phase in the second half and all of a sudden it was advantage Sociedad. However, Madrid pulled things back Bellingham (82) and Tchouameni (86) scored in quick succession to put Madrid ahead. Mikel Oyarzabal scored in the added time to take the tie to the extra time.

The match was approaching penalties, but Antonio Rudiger scored from a corner set piece in the 115th minute. Madrid was able to keep the lead this time and as a result, they have booked their spot in the final of the Copa del Rey 2024-25.

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Carlo Ancelotti's Ultimatum to Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior, who was there on the field for the entire duration of the match, provided two assists, which were crucial and kept Real Madrid alive in the contest. Following the culmination of the match, Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti praised the Brazilian and revealed the ultimatum he gave to Vini.

“I told him that he would be substituted if he didn’t defend. And from that conversation, Vini picked up the pace and brought out all his quality and was very important in extra time. He gave two assists.” per Marca.

Real Madrid will await the winner of FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid. The tie is at level- 4-4- and it will be interesting to note who makes it to the final between these two Spanish giants.