Real Sociedad clinched
their fourth Copa del Rey title on Saturday, defeating Atlético Madrid 4–3 in a
dramatic penalty shootout following a thrilling 2–2 draw in Seville.
After Alexander Sørloth
and Julián Alvarez missed their spot kicks for Diego Simeone's side, Pablo
Marín stepped up to convert the decisive penalty and seal victory for the
Basque club.
The final began in
spectacular fashion when Ander Barrenetxea headed Real Sociedad into the lead
after just 14 seconds—the fastest goal ever scored in a Copa del Rey final.
However, Atlético responded quickly. Antoine Griezmann set up Ademola Lookman,
who drilled a composed finish into the bottom corner to restore parity.
Real Sociedad regained
the lead just before half-time. Goalkeeper Juan Musso brought down Gonçalo
Guedes inside the box, and Mikel Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot,
sending Musso the wrong way.
Atlético improved after
the break and finally found an equaliser through Alvarez, who showed brilliant
control before rifling the ball into the top corner for his 19th goal of the
season. The Madrid side nearly snatched a winner in stoppage time, but Johnny
Cardoso fired wide with only goalkeeper Unai Marrero to beat.
Both teams created
further chances in extra time. Musso denied Orri Óskarsson, while Alvarez
struck the crossbar from long range. In the penalty shootout, Marrero emerged
as the hero, saving efforts from Sørloth and Alvarez. Musso kept Atlético alive
with a stop from Óskarsson, but Marín held his nerve with Real Sociedad's fifth
kick, sparking wild celebrations.
For Atlético Madrid,
their final realistic hope of silverware this season now rests in the UEFA
Champions League, where they face Arsenal in the semi-finals.