Martin Odegaard scored against his parent club as Real Madrid were beaten 4-3 by Real Sociedad in a thrilling Copa del Rey quarterfinal at the Bernabeu.
The on-loan midfielder slotted the ball low through Real Madrid goalkeeper Alphonse Areola to open the scoring in the first half, before in-form striker Alexander Isak scored two goals in three second-half minutes to give Real Sociedad a commanding 3-0 lead.
Marcelo pulled a goal back, and Isak set up Mikel Merino for Real Sociedad's fourth, but a late Real Madrid rally saw Vinicius set up Rodrygo, and then Nacho made it three in added time as the home side pushed for a late equaliser.
Positives
Odegaard impressed again, and that's a long-term positive for Real Madrid, even if it was a negative on the night. He didn't celebrate his first-half goal, but it was his touch, awareness and composure that will really have impressed the Bernabeu crowd. Performances like this make it increasingly unlikely that he'll spend a second season in San Sebastian.
Vinicius was far and away Madrid's best player, and the Brazilian looks back to his impudent best. He offers something genuinely different to a Real Madrid team that is full of midfield quality but sometimes lacks a change of pace.
Madrid never gave up, and those goals from Marcelo, Rodrygo and Nacho made a comeback that had earlier looked impossible suddenly feel even probable.
Negatives
Real Madrid's Copa del Rey record at the Bernabeu in recent years is one disappointment after another. They were beaten here by Barcelona in 2019, by Leganes in 2018, and by Celta Vigo in 2017. This was another result to add to that list and Madrid's fightback here shouldn't disguise the fact that they had been three goals down.
Madrid's defence were given a torrid time by one of the most exciting, entertaining teams to watch in Spain this season. They never looked comfortable up against a dynamic, fluid forward line of Isak, Odegaard, Mikel Oyarzabal and Adnan Januzaj.
Isak in particular was an absolute nightmare for Sergio Ramos and Eder Militao to deal with, scoring twice, playing a role in the other two Real Sociedad goals, and having one ruled out by VAR to boot.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Zinedine Zidane named a squad without Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, Casemiro, Dani Carvajal or Lucas Vazquez for one reason or another, and so had few selection dilemmas for his team.
There were rare starts for Brahim Diaz and James Rodriguez, though neither really paid off. Zidane did his best to change the game, bringing on Luka Modric at half-time, and will at least have been pleased with his team's second-half reaction.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Alphonse Areola, 5 -- His third cup start this season, having played at Unionistas and Zaragoza. Should have done much, much better with Odegaard's opener, looked unconvincing in general and is now a long way behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order.
DF Nacho, 6 -- Scored in added time, but it was too little, too late. Always has the right attitude and did better than might have been expected up against Oyarzabal.
DF Sergio Ramos, 6 -- It was never going to be an easy night for the Real Madrid captain against a Real Sociedad attack led by Isak, who had scored five goals in his previous four games. Hit the bar with a first-half header and had one good late chance to make it 4-3 after going up front to chance an equaliser.
DF Eder Militao, 6 -- Had a mixed evening. At times he showed what an asset his pace can be, with important early challenges on Januzaj and Isak, while at others he was found wanting. He looks like he might one day be a suitable replacement for Raphael Varane, but isn't quite there yet.
DF Marcelo, 5 -- With Ferland Mendy in the driver's seat at left-back, Marcelo must take advantage of opportunities like this to win his spot back. Had a poor first half, scored in the second half to give Madrid hope, but was badly exposed on Real Sociedad's fourth.
MF Federico Valverde, 6 -- No Casemiro means the Uruguayan has to drop deeper, reigning in his impulse to burst forwards. Had to deal with Odegaard, which is no easy task. When Isak was one-on-one with Areola right on half-time, it was Valverde, not Ramos or Militao, who was desperately racing back to try to get there.
MF Toni Kroos, 6 -- Having a sensational season but has had a dip this week. After being taken off at half-time in the Madrid derby, he failed to impress here. Looks a much better player with Casemiro alongside him.
MF James Rodriguez, 5 -- Has started all three Copa del Rey games so far. Played in a midfield three, in a more advanced position than Valverde or Kroos, the Colombian put a first-half free kick well over the bar and had one very good shot saved by Alex Remiro. Was taken off for Luka Modric at half-time.
FW Brahim Diaz, 6 -- Did well coming off the bench against Unionistas and Zaragoza earlier in the competition, and was rewarded with a start here. Played on the right and had his moments, but failed to make a consistent impact. His chipped cross found Ramos who headed against the bar in the first half.
FW Vinicius Junior, 8 -- The best thing about Real Madrid tonight. Vinicius has seen a major improvement lately and was lively, active and confident throughout. Got the crowd on their feet with a first-half run and in the second half he almost scored with a curling shot across the face of goal, had a header ruled out by VAR and set up Rodrygo. Extremely promising for the rest of the season.
FW Karim Benzema, 6 -- Followed his match-winning Madrid derby goal at the weekend with a quiet display. While he had the occasional half-chance, he really couldn't impose himself on the game.
Substitutes
MF Luka Modric, 6 -- Came on for James at half-time but couldn't improve Madrid's fortunes.
FW Luka Jovic, N/R -- brought on at 4-1 down Valverde, but was anonymous again.
FW Rodrygo, N/R -- On for Diaz with 15 minutes to go and scored a straightforward goal, after Vinicius' good work.