Real Sociedad produced a dramatic upset to defeat Atlético Madrid and lift the Copa del Rey after a tense penalty shootout in Seville.
The Basque side secured a 4-3 victory on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time, sealing their fourth title in the competition and ending a five-year wait for major silverware since their 2020 triumph.
Goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero of the night, making crucial saves from Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez during the shootout before Pablo Marín calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal victory.
Speaking after the match, Marrero said he had maintained belief throughout the shootout that he could make the difference for his team.
The final began in sensational fashion, with Ander Barrenetxea giving Sociedad the lead just 14 seconds into the match, the fastest goal ever recorded in a Copa del Rey final. Atlético responded through Ademola Lookman in the 18th minute, restoring parity in an open first half.
Sociedad regained the advantage on the stroke of halftime when captain Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot, putting his side ahead going into the break.
Atlético Madrid, managed by Diego Simeone, pushed hard for an equaliser and were rewarded late in the game when Álvarez struck in the 83rd minute to force extra time. Despite sustained pressure and several chances, neither side could find a winner, sending the contest to penalties.
The victory marks a historic achievement for Sociedad’s head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who becomes the first American manager to win a major trophy in one of Europe’s top five leagues. His success comes after a remarkable turnaround, having taken charge of the club in December when they were struggling near the relegation zone.
For Atlético Madrid, the defeat will be a bitter blow after fighting back twice in the match, only to fall short in the shootout.
Real Sociedad’s triumph not only adds another chapter to their history but also signals a resurgence under new leadership, with the club now looking to build on this momentum in domestic and European competitions.
