In an intense football clash at the Al-Awwal Park stadium in Riyadh, Mario Hermoso and Antonio Rudiger scored early headed goals, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Ferland Mendy’s goal sent Real Madrid ahead, but Antoine Griezmann’s milestone goal leveled the score, making him Atletico’s all-time leading scorer. An own goal by Kepa Arrizabalaga then gave Atletico the lead, only for Dani Carvajal to equalize for Madrid, forcing the game into extra time.
As the match approached a potential penalty shootout, Stefan Savic’s own goal tilted the balance in favor of Real Madrid. Brahim Diaz sealed the victory on a counter-attack, leaving Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak stranded. The win propels Real Madrid into the final, where they will face either Barcelona or Osasuna.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico, the only team to defeat Madrid this season, took an early lead with Hermoso’s header. Rudiger responded similarly for Madrid before Mendy capitalized on a cross from Carvajal. Griezmann’s historic goal pulled Atletico level, surpassing Luis Aragones as the club’s all-time leading scorer.
The game saw thrilling moments, including Rodrygo’s near-goal and intense jeers from the crowd directed at Madrid’s Toni Kroos. Atletico took the lead with Arrizabalaga’s own goal, contested by Madrid, but Carvajal’s late strike forced extra time.
In a tight extra-time battle, Joselu’s header led to Savic’s own goal, putting Madrid in the lead. Brahim Diaz capitalized on Oblak’s positioning to secure the win, setting the stage for Real Madrid in Sunday’s final. Spanish champions Barcelona aim to join them by facing Osasuna in Thursday’s semi-final.
