Real win thriller to reach Cup final

Real Madrid came close to being eliminated at home again by Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey but prevailed to reach their second final in three seasons on Tuesday.

Antonio Ruediger scored the decisive goal in extra time at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to allow the Spanish powerhouse to advance 5-4 on aggregate score.

Five years ago, Sociedad had stunned the Bernabeu with a 4-3 victory in the quarterfinals that put the Basque Country club on track for the title that season.

“Sociedad played very well, it’s always difficult against them,” Ruediger said. “But this is Real Madrid and we have to keep fighting until the end. We are in another final and we will win it.”

Madrid will play the April 26 final in Seville against either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid, who play their second leg at Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium. The teams drew 4-4 in Barcelona in the first match.