Real Madrid Defeats Real Sociedad 1-0 in Copa del Rey Semifinal Marred by Offensive Chants
The match was paused after fans chanted 'Die' at defender Raúl Asencio, and a Sociedad supporter was seen making racist gestures toward Vinícius Júnior.
- Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, with 18-year-old Endrick scoring the decisive goal in the 19th minute.
- The game was briefly halted after offensive chants of 'Asencio, die' were directed at Madrid defender Raúl Asencio, prompting the referee to activate Spain's anti-hate protocol.
- A Real Sociedad fan was caught on video making racist gestures toward Vinícius Júnior during the stoppage, continuing a pattern of racist abuse faced by the Brazilian forward in Spanish football.
- Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti substituted Asencio at halftime, citing the emotional impact of the chants and the player's yellow card as reasons for the decision.
- The second leg of the semifinal will take place on April 1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Madrid holding a narrow advantage in the tie.