Real Sociedad defeated Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties to win the Copa del Rey after a pulsating 2-2 draw following extra time on Saturday, securing their fourth title in the competition.
Goalkeeper Unai Marrero proved decisive in the shootout, saving two Atletico penalties to hand the Basque side a dramatic victory at Seville’s Estadio de La Cartuja.
Sociedad made a blistering start, taking the lead after just 14 seconds through Andrea Barrenetxia , one of the fastest goals ever recorded in a Copa del Rey final. Atletico responded in the 19th minute when Ademola Lookman equalised, finishing off a well-worked move to bring his side back into contention.
The Basque club regained the advantage on the stroke of halftime, with captain Mikel Oyarzabal converting from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 heading into the break.
Atletico, managed by Diego Simeone, showed resilience once again in the second half. Their persistence paid off late in regulation time when struck with seven minutes remaining, forcing the match into extra time.
Despite both teams creating chances in the additional 30 minutes, neither could find a winner, sending the final to a penalty shootout. Sociedad held their nerve from the spot, while Marrero’s crucial saves sealed the triumph.
The victory reinforces Real Sociedad’s resurgence in Spanish football, adding to their historic Copa del Rey successes and underlining their ability to compete with La Liga’s elite clubs. For Atletico Madrid, the defeat marks another near miss in a domestic final despite their fighting comeback.
