Real Sociedad win Copa Del Rey
Real Sociedad 2 - 2 Atletico Madrid (Real Sociedad won 4-2 on penalties)
Real Sociedad beat Atletico Madrid on penalties to claim a fourth Copa del Rey title.
Author | Jack L
Stadium | Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla
Atletico twice fought back to force the final into extra time and then a shootout, but Unai Marrero saved two spot-kicks to earn Sociedad their first trophy since 2020.
Sociedad had stunned Diego Simeone’s side with the fastest goal in a Copa del Rey final, Ander Barrenetxea glancing Goncalo Guedes’ cross into the corner after just 14 seconds.
That lead was wiped out when Ademola Lookman slotted home low on 18 minutes, yet Mikel Oyarzabal restored Sociedad’s advantage from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after Juan Musso caught Guedes while attempting to punch clear.
Atletico carried the greater threat after the interval and were rewarded when Julian Alvarez struck brilliantly from the edge of the area into the top corner.
Both sides found extra time tiring
Neither side could find a winner during a tiring spell of extra time, but Sociedad held their nerve in the shootout, sealing victory when Pablo Marin drove his penalty into the roof of the net.
For Atletico, who sit fourth in La Liga and trail leaders Barcelona by 22 points, focus now turns to the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, with the first leg scheduled for 29 April.