After a hard-fought 120 minutes, Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 5–4 on aggregate in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. Los Blancos advanced to the final thanks to a late extra-time winner from Antonio Rüdiger in the 115th minute.
While Rüdiger reveled in his success, there was a stark contrast in the two teams’ performances throughout the game.
David Alaba had a terrible day and helped give up two goals in eight minutes. Real Madrid almost lost their spot in the championship game because of the Austrian defender’s performance.
Two Expensive Mistakes in Eight Minutes: Alaba’s Collapse
David Alaba is still among his generation’s most accomplished players at the age of 32. He won 28 awards during his tenure at Bayern Munich, including 10 Bundesliga championships and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
He has won 11 more titles after joining Real Madrid in 2021, including a Champions League and La Liga championship.
But those honors are relics of the past. Alaba has had difficulty regaining the outstanding form that once made him a defensive mainstay since sustaining a major knee injury late last year.
All of his weaknesses were exposed in this pivotal game against Real Sociedad, making him Real Madrid’s weakest player.
Minute 72: Nightmare on My Own Goal
Takefusa Kubo and Pablo Marín frequently took advantage of Real Sociedad’s right side of defense as they pressed hard down the flanks.
Aurélien Tchouaméni stopped Kubo’s first attempt, but Marín promptly followed up with a low cross from the byline.
During a disastrous moment, Alaba, who was standing close to the goal, tried to clear the ball but instead used the back of his heel to divert it into his own net.
The inadvertent own goal startled the Madrid defense and gave Sociedad the equalizer.
Minute 80: The Disaster of Deflection
Sociedad scored again before Madrid could gather themselves. Once more, Kubo attracted several defenders before making a deft cutback to pass the ball to Mikel Oyarzabal.
Alaba’s outstretched leg cruelly deflected Oyarzabal’s strong left-footed shot, which struck the crossbar and bounced back into the net.
Even though Oyarzabal was eventually given credit for the goal, Alaba’s deflection drastically changed the trajectory of the ball and tricked goalie Andriy Lunin.
Alaba was directly responsible for two goals given up in just eight minutes, converting a lead into a deficit and jeopardizing Real Madrid’s chances of qualifying.
Alaba’s expression, which was a mix of desperation and incredulity, said volumes when the cameras focused on him as he lay flat on the field.
The player with the lowest rating on the pitch
Alaba had trouble the entire game, except from the two disastrous moments. He lacked the precision required at this level, lost aerial challenges, and was frequently outmuscled in ground duels.
It was statistically one of his poorest games while wearing a Real Madrid shirt. Alaba received a 4.2, which was by far the lowest rating of the evening, based on ratings taken after the game.
Alaba had missed almost 400 days after sustaining meniscus injury and a damaged ACL in December 2023. In January 2024, he returned to action as a substitute against Las Palmas.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has steadily favored other options—Rüdiger and Tchouaméni—as center-backs in crucial games, despite his steady return to the team.
Alaba’s physical attributes that once characterized his game—pace, explosiveness, and agility—have vanished. That decrease is especially catastrophic for a defender.
He used to be a rock in the back, but today he appears to be Madrid’s worst defensive lineman.
Real Madrid Might Think About Divorcing
Although Alaba’s contract is set to expire in 2026, Spanish media suggest that Real Madrid may try to offload him this summer due to his advanced age, fitness issues, and deteriorating play.
Alaba might be among the first veterans to leave the team as they are going through a transitional period and are giving preference to younger, more energetic defenders.
Alaba and Rüdiger to the Rescue: An Incident That Saved the Night
Madrid was lucky that their evening did not end in tragedy. Antonio Rüdiger scored the game-winning goal in the 115th minute of extra time after taking advantage of a lost ball in the box.
Los Blancos, who made it to the Copa del Rey final by the narrowest of margins, were extremely relieved.
Importantly, Jude Bellingham and Tchouaméni’s outstanding performances, along with Rüdiger’s valiant actions, prevented Alaba from being the target of criticism from fans and the media.
Alaba’s errors would have surely dominated the news and possibly threatened his remaining playing time this season had Madrid been eliminated.
On the Horizon, farewell? A Legend Is Coming to an End
David Alaba is unquestionably one of the greatest modern football players. He has made a lasting impression at both teams, from his amazing years with Bayern to his early influence at Madrid.
In any dressing room, his poise, leadership, and expertise are still priceless qualities.
However, time does not wait for anyone in professional football, and it is harsh. Alaba’s spot in the team is no longer assured as Real Madrid is obviously moving toward a younger core.
2024 might be a crucial year for Alaba to take stock of his career. Without the constant pressures of European elite competition, he could be able to prolong his playing days and make a significant contribution by moving to a slower-paced league.
Legends, after all, deserve to go out in style.
