Real Sociedad claimed their fourth Copa del Rey crown after overcoming Atlético Madrid in a tense final that ended 2-2 after extra time before being decided 4-3 on penalties in Seville.
Goalkeeper Unai Marrero proved decisive in the shootout, producing crucial saves to deny Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez.
Pablo Marín then stepped up to convert the winning penalty and secure the trophy for Sociedad.
“I knew that if we got to penalties, I believed in myself, my teammates believed in me, our fans believed in me,” Marrero said. “I still can’t believe it. The boy who dreamed of this has fulfilled his dream.”
The victory represents Sociedad’s first major trophy since their 2020 Copa del Rey success and marks a historic achievement for head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who becomes the first American manager to win a major title in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Sociedad got off to a sensational start, breaking the deadlock just 14 seconds into the match through Ander Barrenetxea, setting a new record for the fastest goal in a Copa del Rey final. Atlético responded in the 18th minute, with Ademola Lookman finishing a well-worked move assisted by Antoine Griezmann.
Shortly before the break, Sociedad regained the lead when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot following a challenge involving goalkeeper Juan Musso.
The Basque side appeared on course for victory until late in normal time, when Álvarez struck to bring Atlético level and force the contest into extra time.
Both teams searched for a decisive goal during the additional period, but neither managed to find the breakthrough, leading to a penalty shootout where Marrero’s early heroics ultimately made the difference.
Matarazzo’s tenure has seen a dramatic turnaround, guiding Sociedad from relegation fears in December to cup glory while also stabilizing their position in the upper half of LaLiga.
For Atlético Madrid, the defeat was a painful one despite their comeback efforts. “The team did all it could to turn this around,” said captain Koke. “It is a difficult night.”
Focus now turns to European competition, where Atlético will look to Antoine Griezmann to inspire them against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals as they aim to salvage silverware this season.
