Real Sociedad have won the Copa del Rey for the fourth time in their history after defeating Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in a thrilling final in Seville.
The Basque side held their nerve in the shootout after goalkeeper Unai Marrero saved two Atletico penalties, before Pablo Marin converted the decisive kick to secure victory. The result brought an end to a dramatic contest that had swung back and forth over 120 minutes.
The final began at a frantic pace, with Real Sociedad taking the lead after just 14 seconds — the fastest goal ever scored in a Copa del Rey final. Ander Barrenetxea headed home from close range after Goncalo Guedes surged down the left and delivered an early cross before Atletico had even touched the ball.
Atletico responded well to the early setback. Ademola Lookman brought them level after being set up by Antoine Griezmann on the edge of the penalty area, drilling a low shot into the corner. The forward later came close to creating another chance for Griezmann, but Sociedad’s defence recovered in time.
Just before half-time, Sociedad regained the advantage from the penalty spot. Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso collided with Guedes while attempting to claim the ball, resulting in a penalty. Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted, sending Musso the wrong way.
After the break, Atletico improved significantly and began to dominate possession. Griezmann fired over the bar, while Lookman also missed the target as Diego Simeone’s side pushed for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off when Julian Alvarez produced a moment of quality, controlling the ball on the edge of the area before firing into the top corner.
Both teams had opportunities to win the match late on. Atletico came closest in stoppage time when Johnny Cardoso missed a clear chance, shooting wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. In extra time, Musso made an important save to deny Orri Oskarsson, while Alvarez struck the crossbar at the other end.
With neither side able to find a winner, the match went to penalties. Marrero emerged as the key figure, saving efforts from Alexander Sorloth and Alvarez. Although Musso also made a save to keep Atletico in contention, Marin’s composed finish sealed the victory for Sociedad.
Speaking after the match, Marrero said: “It’s a moment to enjoy, to dream and to believe… the kid who dreamed of this… has done it.”
Atletico captain Koke expressed disappointment but acknowledged the effort of his team. “We did everything we could, we had to row against the current from the start,” he said.
“We had some chances before the end of the 90 minutes that if we had scored would have changed the story.
“We have to congratulate La Real, that’s life. It hurts but we have to continue.”
The defeat leaves Atletico without domestic silverware this season, though they still have hopes in Europe. “We have a beautiful challenge — we want the Champions League, we will do everything we can to win it, but this is a sad night,” Koke added.
For Real Sociedad, however, the night belongs to them, marking a remarkable turnaround after a difficult start to the season and confirming their place among Spain’s cup elite.
