Thu Feb 27 00:38:41 UTC 2025: ## Real Madrid Edges Sociedad in Controversial Copa del Rey Clash Marked by Racism

**San Sebastian, Spain** – Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Wednesday, but the match was overshadowed by renewed racist abuse targeting Brazilian star Vinicius Junior. The win was secured thanks to a first-half goal by 18-year-old Endrick, but the game was repeatedly interrupted by unsavory incidents.

The match was temporarily halted just before halftime due to chants of “Asencio die” directed at Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio, who is currently under investigation by a Spanish court. A video then surfaced online appearing to show a Real Sociedad fan making monkey gestures towards Vinicius Junior while the game was paused.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Vinicius reported the chants to the referee, leading to the stoppage. Ancelotti also substituted Vinicius at halftime, citing both his emotional distress and a yellow card.

Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal condemned the insults, stating that “there are other ways to condemn the actions that others may have committed,” while the club displayed a message on the stadium’s big screen denouncing racist and xenophobic behavior.

This incident is the latest in a string of racist attacks against Vinicius in Spanish football. The player has been a consistent target of abuse, leading to previous arrests and convictions. The ongoing issue underscores the persistent problem of racism plaguing Spanish football.

Despite the controversy, Endrick’s goal, a stylish finish assisted by Jude Bellingham, proved enough for Real Madrid to take a slender lead into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 1st. The match also saw strong performances from other Madrid players, including Bellingham and Lunin. The second leg will determine which team advances to the final against either Barcelona or Atlético Madrid. In the other semifinal first leg, Atlético Madrid fought back from a deficit to draw 4-4 with Barcelona.

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